Hey guys. I have had this sound/shutter/grinding coming from what feels like the power steering rack lately. It only happens when I'm going slow, braking and turning at the same time (like when parking). And it seems to be getting worse.

It feels like a vibration you might get by putting too much strain on a hydraulic ram. Sounds like... the sound from putting too much strain on a hydraulic ram haha. (kind of a grrrrrrr)

I have a pretty good knowledge of cars, and have a pretty good feeling that it is the power rack going bad or being over worked. I know its not low on fluid, I know what that sounds like. All I can figure is maybe the 35s are too much for the factory rack to handle, or maybe I've just got a bad rack.

I don't want to deal with taking it to the dealer again (some of you might remember my thread about that ). So, I'm checking with you guys.

Anyone ever had this problem with their H3?

 

How long u been running 35's? Ive got 35x13.5r20 on a heavy Ion 165 Series wheel, Ive never had any issues with steering or any other issues yet.

Are those the 16x7.5 rims from the lux package?

 

sam... look at the power steering pump and res... any leaks?

are you sure it isn't the 35s rubbing at full clock? if you take the turns wider rather than sharper does it not happen?

 

Woody: I put 35's on the day after I bought it, so, 4 months. And yeah they're factory rims.

Dagkana: no leaks, fluid tank is full. No, its not the tires, they are rubbing but I can tell when they are. The tires rubbing makes a MUCH more dramatic vibration and I always back it off when they do rub.

The steering problem sound starts almost immediately when I start to turn the wheel and seems to get more pronounced the more i turn. I can feel the kind of grinding feeling through the steering wheel and its strong enough for the front passenger to slightly notice. Its hard to describe. Maybe I'll try to make a video of the sound.

 

how do the rack bushings look. especially the psgr side bushing that wraps around the rack tube?

 

Bushing are good. I'm still confused about this thing.

I forgot to mention that it doesn't happen all the time. I noticed that if I let off the brakes and keep rolling while turning it gets quieter, and if i slow down or try to turn it at a stop it is really loud. So, it is definitely just when i put excess strain on the steering rack.

I guess I'll go to the dealer... Thats probably covered under the powertrain warranty right? The warranty seems to cover anything that is internally lubricated... I'm sure they'll find a way to not cover it