My 2000 Brava 1.6 has recently developed noisy power steering. It doesn't sound like it's the pump, the noise seems to be coming from just behind the steering wheel. It also doesn't sound mechanical, it's more of an electrical high pitched whine. Very annoying. Any ideas? The steering feels fine.

Have you recently fitted alloys wheels or anything?

If you have then the power steering has to work harder to turn the wheel.

For example turn the key till the steering locking comes off then turn the wheels, hard as buggery. Hence the power steering needs to do alot of the work.

On the other hand if you ain't fitted alloys then it maybe something serious if its onlt just developed.

Wait for Toms reply.

Joske

Thanks Joske. It's had Fiat alloys fitted since I bought it 18 months ago and has been faultless. Nothing has changed that would put extra strain on the power steering.

Have you check the power steering fluid level in the engine bay. Its the whiteish reservoir with a picture of a steering wheel on it?

Joske

Yes, that's the first thing I checked. It's at the usual level and doesn't appear to be leaking at all.

Tyre pressures?

mine did this when i put alloys on . just ignored mine it went away lol

Smee

Tom, I must check the tyre pressures.

I was half expecting some horror stories about this being the first sign of the pump being on its way out. I'm glad none have been forthcoming.

I'll check out the tyres and so on and let you know how it goes.

Thanks for your replies.

where can u get power steering fluid from, mine needs topping up.

Most petrol stations sell it, or any motor factors.

do i just top it up like any other fluid?

mine has been doing this for about 6 months needs power steering rack repair/replacement cost at £120 ish from wester power steering (google it) fluid is ok but aparently the noise is air in the system or somthing caused by a worn power steering rack, so i have been told

Mine also suddenly developed a strange loudish noise after several hours looking ,it turned out to be the powered steering pulley !

did you fix this yourself if so how?

No i had it done at my friendly garage 90 quid all in!