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View Full Version : Power Steering 'noise' ?


Master Apex
09-09-2008, 12:53 AM
There is a "creak" noise whenever I turn my steering wheel under the following conditions:
- 1) Whenever I turn the steering wheel lock to lock (all the way to the right and then all the way to the left) , particularly when turning to the right. Only repeatable once or twice then I have to move the car and stop again before repeating. The noise get easily masked by engine and exhaust sounds so I did it with the car idle and stop.
-2) Cruise straight slowly (<30mph, reduce wind noise), shift to neutral ( reduce engine/exhaust sound), make a quick right turn. Very repeatable.

Took it to local Honda dealer but as soon as they see my KW coilover, they said it was the KW that makes noise.

I don't believe it since KW coilover has been there for 7k miles and this noise is showing lately after I spun out during track event.
Any idea on how to look for the noise source?
Thanks.

repiv
09-09-2008, 02:31 AM
First of all, you are "dry steering" (turning the steering wheel when the tires are not rolling). This is especially taxing on the power steering unit and the steering rack in general. "Normal"? Well, I guess when you tax it by dry steering, the sound is normal. What's not normal and not recommended is dry steering.

Master Apex
09-11-2008, 10:05 PM
You guys are very knowledgeable so I edited my first post to add more information.

repiv
09-11-2008, 11:24 PM
A lot of stuff could have happened after a spin out at the speeds you say you spun out. I can't even begin to guess how to track down a noise over the internet on a normal stock car, let alone one with aftermarket parts after a track mishap. You're going to have to depend on those who are able to see, drive, hear and feel the car.

Master Apex
09-12-2008, 09:12 PM
Problem solved....and the noise was related to the weird steering behavior that I mentioned in another thread.
The root cause was a loose castle nut that holds the lower arm ball joint (left /driver side).

I did not check its torque during initial inspection (nor did Honda Service) because it has an intact safety pin and aligned color mark (from factory). I don't think I ever open this castle nut during KW coilover installation; I recall opening the two bolts on the upper arm but not this. It is weird that it can be loose with safety pin on.

Anyway, I removed the safety pin and re-torque the castle nut, put back the safety pin.
Creak noise is gone and I have my confidence back.
I was worry about tracking the car with "creak" noise.