Steering Rack Noises

[Jcayennes]

Hey guys, after slowly hearing a ocassional noise over the last year on hot days, its starting to get louder. I know its the rack and it only squeaks when its hot and I'm turning right... (sometimes it makes noise when pulling out of parking spot)

I have done a few fluid "baster" changes with the CHF fluid and it fixed it for a week, then it came back.

Car feels great, no noises when first fired up on a 80 degree morning.. It seems to start making the noise after driving a bit and heating up.

Fluid Breakdown? Think a proper flush will fix this?

I have already thought about a new Rack option.. I know it may happen sooner than later, just wanted your advice on the fluid breakdown.

Thanks,

Joe

06 CS

[wvicary]

I'm not sure how the rack could make a squeak when turning only one direction, are you sure it's not from the pump? Is the noise RPM dependent? If the vehicle is stationary, does it make the noise?

[Jcayennes]

I dont think its the pump.. I can feel the sticky, squeak in the rack.. After driving a bit and the vehicle is stationary. When driving, it happens only going around a right hand turn..(sweeping)..

Does the Cayenne have a screen in the PS fill bottle? Maybe the sloshing of the PS fluid when turning right is lowering the pump pressure?

[wvicary]

There is a filter integral to the reservoir tank but I doubt this is your problem. I'm not sure I understand your description of the noise, is it possible to capture a sound clip or video of the fault? Do you have speed sensitive steering?

[Jcayennes]

There is a filter integral to the reservoir tank but I doubt this is your problem. I'm not sure I understand your description of the noise, is it possible to capture a sound clip or video of the fault? Do you have speed sensitive steering?

I will get a video clip tomorrow. Its a definate "squeak" or a "wet sneaker" sound that I can feel a little friction in the wheel..only when going right, after its been warmed up (normally a quick expressway trip) and I make a right hand turn at any speed. Yes, I do have Servotronic. Could I have a clogged valve in the rack? Or a gummed up or dirty PS cooler?

Thanks,

Joe

[Jcayennes]

There is a filter integral to the reservoir tank but I doubt this is your problem. I'm not sure I understand your description of the noise, is it possible to capture a sound clip or video of the fault? Do you have speed sensitive steering?

I will get a video clip tomorrow. Its a definate "squeak" or a "wet sneaker" sound that I can feel a little friction in the wheel..only when going right, after its been warmed up (normally a quick expressway trip) and I make a right hand turn at any speed. Yes, I do have Servotronic. Could I have a clogged valve in the rack? Or a gummed up or dirty PS cooler?

Sorry about the delay.. long recovery after holiday weekend :)

Thanks,

Joe

[jnphil]

I just completed a steering rack replacement. The boots will hold the fluid so you won't see a leak (until they go). If that's your issue it is not a terribly difficult job.

I wonder if the wet sneaker sound is fluid sloshing in the boot.

Edited September 5, 2012 by jnphil

[Ignited]

My 2004 CTT started making this same type noise even at cold startup and whenever I move the steering wheel. A Rubbing, scrubbing sound with plenty of catching in the steering wheel. At low speed (especially in parking lots) I hear a loud humming and whining coming from the drivetrain. I have had the transfer case stepper motor going bad for some time now, but have not replaced it yet (looking for alternative sources to the dealer). Can the failed stepper motor eventually lead to this kind of event in the steering system?

Tim in Ft Worth

[Jcayennes]

I think I am figuring it out.. Back when I bought the car (45k miles, 75k now), I remember hearing a whining sound (It was actually the normal Cayenne whiny sound) I put some lucas gunk stuff in the reservoir to get rid of the noise. Ovbiously it didnt do anything because thats the normal sound of the car. I am thinking it gunked something up..valves...cooler.. who knows. (stupid to use that stuff, I know)

I am going to do a complete flush with the trans tune stuff (removes varnish) and hopefully it fixes it. It only happens when after running for 10 miles or so and the fluid is hot..right hand turn only.

Thanks,

Joe

[Ignited]

wvicary called it on my issue. It is my power steering pump, and more specifically the o-rings. I can see a leak from the larger o-ring, but can't see the two smaller ones. They may be leaking as well. I'm going to have them replaced BEFORE I replace the stepper motor because adding power steering fluid stopped the noise I thought was the transfer case stepper motor binding up.

Tim in Ft Worth

[Jcayennes]

UPDATE:

Well, I ran with a cleaning agent for 100 miles and when I put 3oz's of the stuff in the tank, the noise (sticking, rubbing) stopped.

I followed the directions and flushed the system. I blocked off inlet hose on tank and pumped old fluid into pail, moving steering back and fourth. I kept the bottle full while doing this.

Noise is back. It's only turning right..when there would be a sloshing effect. Think of a sweeping turn, moving fluids to one side of a pan, reservoir or bottle. That’s the only turn that makes this act up. Parking lot slow driving doesn’t.

When taking an on ramp, I turn in and its fine. While I slowly adjust the turn (lessening the turn on the wheel..back towards center) is when I hear the noise. It’s a rubber, wet sneaker sound the whole car can hear. While I had the bottle off, I tried to clean the filter, but it looks like it’s not replaceable without getting a new bottle. Could that filter be worthless, and recycling nasty fluid? It was awesome with 3oz's of that cleaner, the noise stopped all day within 5 miles.

I found a reman rack for about $500. How bad is the labor on this if needed?

Edited September 26, 2012 by Jcayennes

[wvicary]

Are you sure it's not trapped water in a body panel, front cowl or climate control box?