Technical Marea squeeky steering

[lib319]

Hi there,

My 1997. 1.8 elx Marea, 46000 miles has got a squeeky steering wheel. It happens when turning the wheel and also whenever it goes over a bump.

I've tried spraying lithium grease onto the joint at the bottom of the column, behind the pedals but this doen't seem to have cured it. The power steering fluid is above the max indicator.

The guy I bought the car from says this is a new fault and I have no reason to disbeleive him.

Is this a loose power steering drive belt? It seems like the sound is coming from inside the cabin rather than the engine bay.

Any ideas? Other than that, I love the car.

cheers

Andrew

 

[polecat]

Hi Andrew and welcome to our forum

You sometimes get a plastic on plastic squeak on the steering column. Check all the covers, etc.

 

[lib319]

Thanks for the welcome Polecat. I'll look it over throught the week. Is there a big fanbase for the Marea?

This is easily the best car I've had (2 Polos, 1 Golf, 1 Corsa, 1 Escort) and I got mine for £400, a bargain I hope.

cheers

Lib

 

[polecat]

The Marea is a relatively uncommon car and so can cause confusion when you suddenly accelerate past a BMW, etc. The only downside is that there are not many aftermarket parts for it. Bravo/a kits can be used on the front end though.
£400 sounds like a bargain if its mechanically sound.

 

[lib319]

I think the squeek is temp or humidity dependant, some days squeeky some not.

It looks mechanically sound, a bit of a bump noise from under the car which I think is a loose exhaust (not too serious I hope), the squeeky steering, awful FM radio reception and a very balding right rear tyre. Timing belt changed last December.

Got it from an 85 year old fellow who wanted rid of it because he's too old to drive.

 

[lib319]

OK, sorry to get this thread back up but I just had a quote to get my Marea through its MOT and the problem it has (as well as a leaky exhaust) is worn bushes on the front suspension and a leaky front right shock which explains the squeek. £460 inc test and vat if they only need to change the bushes, £500 odd if they need a new suspension arm.

Anyone want to buy a Marea? MOT due, VGC etc.

 

[Bogbeast]

OK, sorry to get this thread back up but I just had a quote to get my Marea through its MOT and the problem it has (as well as a leaky exhaust) is worn bushes on the front suspension and a leaky front right shock which explains the squeek. £460 inc test and vat if they only need to change the bushes, £500 odd if they need a new suspension arm.

Anyone want to buy a Marea? MOT due, VGC etc.

I know how you feel. Mine failed yesterday with badly pitted front discs causing scoring of the pads, badly corroded brake lines and the emissions test. I therefore need new front discs and pads (£250), brake lines replaced (£250), lambda sensor diagnostic (£70), lambda sensor replaced if that fails (£80), along with the test fee and an air-con re-gas. Don't know why they can't just change the lambda sensor anyway as it's only £10 more than the test. Time for a remortgage I think!! :bang:

 

[custard]

can i just say that with a little spanner ability a lot of these jobs are in the home mechanics scope.
front discs and pads could be done for well under a ton.brake lines are not dear but if you are not sure best left to the garage.
front suspension arms and changing shocks are easily done. a haynes and the forum can guide you thorugh.

 

[lib319]

MOT came to £460, new front right suspension bushes have fixed the squeek, rear shocks replaced, back section of exhaust replaced.

boo!