Hi, I'm new to the Fiat Forum and know little about cars, so I'm hoping you can enlighten me about an issue with our Qubo.
Recently I've noticed that when I turn the steering wheel, there's a groaning sound. I don't notice it at higher gears or when I've been driving for a while, and I was putting it down to the cold. But I'm betting that's not the case.
So if it's the steering fluid that needs replacing/topping up, is that something I can do? If so, how can I check, and what's the best brand of fluid to get?

1st I would check the fluid is up to the mark in the bottle
it sounds like its low to me

Hi Deggsy, Welcome to the wonderful world of the Qubist/Fiorinoist.

Yes, check the level in the reservoir, make sure that the car is on level ground, and the engine has not been run. Best time is in the morning, before you use the car.

Quality power steering fluid is no problem to get, refer to your handbook for the correct type.

Cheers Qube O.

Is that not our favourite top mount bearing? We have all had it, easy to get done.

Could well be right on that............poss top bearings.

Yes i also agree.
LUIGI

Hmmm..... well, it could be , or maybe you have a leak in your power steering rack, is there any fluid visible on the engine ??

Fiat did have a faulty batch of steering racks, mine leaked, but the leak was untraceable until the car was on a ramp and the steering turned. Fluid was escaping the power steering rams, into the steering rack, which pumped out a fine mist from the gaiters when the steering was turned. The whole assembly was replaced under warranty......

Cheers Qube O.

Thank you all for your advice - I checked the reservoir for the power steering (once I worked out the baffling User Manual ) and it's really low, which I don't think is because of a leak because it's never been topped up in the 2-3 years we've had the car, and I've never noticed any leaks underneath the car.
But what I'd like to know is: my dealership doesn't have the Tutela G1-R steering fluid onhand, so what would be a suitable equivalent I can pick up from Halfords or wherever and replace myself?

try euro car parts

Check here
http://www.europarts-motorfactors.c...g-Fluids/Fiat/Fiorino/all/1.2/2012/Parts.aspx

Or go on Castrols website and go in oil finder

Just about any power steering fluid will do. It's not performance car afterall