Community Forums

Dan Green · 12-16-2010, 03:37 PM

I have a noise in my steering column that seems to be just annoying and not a big problem. I had it checked out at two places and both said its probably something to do with the hydraulics. At LeMesa they said that this was a common problem with Alpines and that they used to place a restrictor in the fluid lines and that would most of the time solve the problem. I didnt have this problem prior to a bunch of work being done on the fan componants. The fluid was drained and refilled a number of times. They may have removed the so called restrictor and never replaced it, if in fact it had one in the first place. LaMesa said it's not a potential breakdown issue just annoying.
It actually sounds like it might be the power steering pump but they say it's not. When you turn the steering wheel it just makes a noise.
Anyone ever had anything similar to this and what did you do? Thanks, Dan

Jeff and Cheryl · 12-16-2010, 04:26 PM

Dan,
Is the noise there when you are driving down the road or just when turning at low speed?

Old Scout · 12-16-2010, 05:26 PM

It may be more simple than it sounds--WRV used a rubber gasket to seal the steering column where it goes thru the floor. This rubber gasket gets dirt/dust in it and tends to rub on the rotating column--causing the noise [use search command to find more on the forum]. Need to remove the plastic cover surrounding the steering column [under dash] and clean/lub the gasket. Curious what did you had to have done with the cooling fan?

jerry davis · 12-16-2010, 05:27 PM

I have had the same noise since the coach was new. WRV first tried lubing the rubber boot around the column but that didn't do much good. They then sent me the re stricter which I installed in the return line for the hydraulic fluid from the steering pump. Didn't change the sound at all. I have had mine checked out and everyone seems to think that it is normal and not to worry about it.

Wayne R · 12-16-2010, 06:47 PM

Mine started making a noise after switching to Rando 46 HDZ

Renipladlo · 12-16-2010, 09:37 PM

Learned today Dow Corning 111 is silicone lubricant designed for o-rings and water valves with rubber gaskets, don't know why this would not work for this o-ring. I am going to find it and try that on it. WD-40 will deteriorate the gasket, oil will rot it.

Dan Green · 12-17-2010, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Scout

It may be more simple than it sounds--WRV used a rubber gasket to seal the steering column where it goes thru the floor. This rubber gasket gets dirt/dust in it and tends to rub on the rotating column--causing the noise [use search command to find more on the forum]. Need to remove the plastic cover surrounding the steering column [under dash] and clean/lub the gasket. Curious what did you had to have done with the cooling fan?

We had the condensor replaced and when Cummings did that they discovered the cooling fan wasnt working. (wrong) They never let it get up to temp 190. Then they took apart the fan hydraulic system and created a leak in the fan valve because they didnt replace a 25 cent compression washer. It took forever to find the leak and fix it. Finally everything is working correctly. The in dash A/C works well and no leaks in the hydraulics.

Old Scout · 12-17-2010, 07:20 AM

Wayne R brings up the other part of the equation--there is an evenings worth of discussion on the forum about proper fluid to use in the hydraulic system. My 03 uses ATF[DextronIII/Mercon], WRV started using regular 15-40 engine oil in the 05s, and as of late, people have been chasing some pretty exotic/hard to find substitutes like Rando 46, etc--all with mixed results for braking efficiency and steering noise. Not sure there is a final solution on all this.

takepride · 12-17-2010, 11:15 PM

I ditto Old Scout's boot issue. My first attempt to lube it was only partially effective. Dry silicon spray did the trick though.

NorCal Hal · 12-23-2010, 06:46 PM

If the noise you are describing is the squeek when you turn the wheel it's probably the rubber boot / seal around the steering wheel shaft mentioned above. I have had ours lubed on two different occasions and in each case it stopped the noise for a while. Now I have the same noise in my 2004 Chevy Silverado so time to break out the silicone spray. Soap will also work.

Old Scout · 12-24-2010, 07:48 AM

Think we have "surrounded" the possible causes for steering squeeks on Alpines but the Chev truck is a bit different. Had a similar squeek with my 01 and it turned out to be the upper connecting shaft on the column. Not sure of the exact cause but replacing it was about $100--parts and labor. Result--squeek gone!

Ok-- back to Alpine issues.

NorCal Hal · 12-24-2010, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Scout

the Chev truck is a bit different. Had a similar squeek with my 01 and it turned out to be the upper connecting shaft on the column. Not sure of the exact cause but replacing it was about $100--parts and labor. Result--squeek gone!

Thanks - I'll check that out.

Mule Skinner · 01-02-2011, 05:59 PM

I have had a noise since new.
It is when turning the wheel in one direction only. Not the rotation of the column, but holding the steering wheel in one position with steady presser.
The sound is like static from an am radio.
I think it might be air bubbles in the line?
The noise I have, is not a dry bushing or boot rubbing.

I try to ignore it.