Vibration through steering wheel when stationary and turning

[DXX]

The hydraulic PS pump is a fixed displacement pump so excess pressure is bled back to the suction side of the circuit via a pressure relief valve. At low RPM this valve maybe ‘hunting’ or oscillating causing minor vibration depending on how well mounted / damped the system is designed.
Once RPM is increased the valve will almost certainly be constantly open and in constant flow so there won’t be any noticeable vibration as the pressure will be less variable.
I just changed the PS fluid on my 2001 A4 for the first time, it was a bit cloudy but clean enough for a simple hydraulic system.
I’ve already changed the PS fluid on my 2016 T6, didn’t need it but cost less than £20 and allowed me to check the oil for debris - none found.

 

[Dm85]

The hydraulic PS pump is a fixed displacement pump so excess pressure is bled back to the suction side of the circuit via a pressure relief valve. At low RPM this valve maybe ‘hunting’ or oscillating causing minor vibration depending on how well mounted / damped the system is designed.
Once RPM is increased the valve will almost certainly be constantly open and in constant flow so there won’t be any noticeable vibration as the pressure will be less variable.
I just changed the PS fluid on my 2001 A4 for the first time, it was a bit cloudy but clean enough for a simple hydraulic system.
I’ve already changed the PS fluid on my 2016 T6, didn’t need it but cost less than £20 and allowed me to check the oil for debris - none found.

I was thinking it’s probably normal to get some movement from the return hose. But just decided to get under the van and have a look at it. There are no clips just 3 rubber dampers… and it seems quite soft when pinching it. and was touching the sub frame. For a test I put some armaflex pipe insulation around it and cable tied it up away from the subframe. And seems to be a huge improvement. The fluids warm at the moment so I’ll check in cold start. I’m going to replace that hose anyhow maybe it won’t make the difference but from what I’m seeing it may do also.

All fun and games!

 

[dshelton999]

I was thinking it’s probably normal to get some movement from the return hose. But just decided to get under the van and have a look at it. There are no clips just 3 rubber dampers… and it seems quite soft when pinching it. and was touching the sub frame. For a test I put some armaflex pipe insulation around it and cable tied it up away from the subframe. And seems to be a huge improvement. The fluids warm at the moment so I’ll check in cold start. I’m going to replace that hose anyhow maybe it won’t make the difference but from what I’m seeing it may do also.

All fun and games!

Did you resolve this? Thanks

 

[Dm85]

Did you resolve this? Thanks

Steering vibration..,,,no! I replaced everything bar the rack on the steering system. I replaced alternator belt tensioner, even got a second hand ps pump to make sure I wasn’t given a faulty pump…. No difference…..Whine and vibrations are worse now. Whining at idle with no steering input. I can see metal flecks in the reservoir. I have a genuine recon rack that’s going to be installed now. Just hope the pump hasn’t been damaged after this going on for so long, as ithe pumps only 6 months old. I’ll let you know how it goes after the new rack goes in.

 

[Dm85]

Steering vibration..,,,no! I replaced everything bar the rack on the steering system. I replaced alternator belt tensioner, even got a second hand ps pump to make sure I wasn’t given a faulty pump…. No difference…..Whine and vibrations are worse now. Whining at idle with no steering input. I can see metal flecks in the reservoir. I have a genuine recon rack that’s going to be installed now. Just hope the pump hasn’t been damaged after this going on for so long, as ithe pumps only 6 months old. I’ll let you know how it goes after the new rack goes in.

 

[Dm85]

This was form the California forum but exact issues……..

UPDATE: for others the symptoms are noise when turning the steering wheel when vehicle is moving. Feedback through to steering wheel. Van stationery moving the steering wheel produces a cavitation like pump working overtime noise and feedback to column.
RESULT: needs new steering rack....not bad for 78,000miles.....i don't think.
Take care out there, thanks for tips.

 

[dshelton999]

Thanks for the reply

Definitely the last thing on the long list of things to replace lol. When are you putting the new rack on? I have seen a few second hand ones or a company on Ebay that can refurb mine.

 

[Dm85]

Thanks for the reply

Definitely the last thing on the long list of things to replace lol. When are you putting the new rack on? I have seen a few second hand ones or a company on Ebay that can refurb mine.

Usually is the last thing tho ha! Honestly I’ll be fuming if it isn’t that but can’t think what else it could be now. I ended getting one from Western power steering and it comes with a 4yr warranty and inner tie rods and boots etc….

I’ll embark on doing it next week. I have done a few things that are awkward in the van so this will be up there I’m sure. I’ll let you know how I get on with it

 

[dshelton999]

Usually is the last thing tho ha! Honestly I’ll be fuming if it isn’t that but can’t think what else it could be now. I ended getting one from Western power steering and it comes with a 4yr warranty and inner tie rods and boots etc….

I’ll embark on doing it next week. I have done a few things that are awkward in the van so this will be up there I’m sure. I’ll let you know how I get on with it

Yes please let me know, even though I decided to remove mine today haha...

I tested the steering jacked up with both track rods removed and I am still getting a very slight vibration in the steering in the same location as when it's on the ground. On the ground it is more noticeable as its under lots more pressure/force. I have ordered a second hand rack that should be here Wednesday. I will probably install in wed/thur. I will also let you know how it goes.

 

[Dm85]

Yes please let me know, even though I decided to remove mine today haha...

I tested the steering jacked up with both track rods removed and I am still getting a very slight vibration in the steering in the same location as when it's on the ground. On the ground it is more noticeable as its under lots more pressure/force. I have ordered a second hand rack that should be here Wednesday. I will probably install in wed/thur. I will also let you know how it goes.

I hope it’s sorts it for you and me! The thing that concerned me most was the worsening audible power steering whine even at idle and metal specs in the fluid. I don’t want issues going round a bend