possible PS problem on my S2

[Makis]

I am experiencing some intermittent noise (groaning) noise coming from the front after driving at high speed for a few minuts (4-5 mile). The noises comes on for a few seconds and then disappears. It appears to be the power steering pump doing it as I cannot see anything else doing it. Has anybody experience this. I have not got any leaks and I have changed the PS fluid about 2 years ago.

[JakeS2]

What's the condition of the chain tensioner, belts etc? If the pump makes noise when car is running and you turn the wheels left and right ; it's a goner.. well not exactly but needs a bit of work.

[Makis]

Belts and rollers done less then 3 months ago and the chain tensioner assembly should be OK as I had the head out less then 6 months ago. It only happens intermittent and by the time I switch off the stereo and try to play with the steering to diagnose the problem the noise goes away. I might experiment removing the PS belt and drive if for a while and see if the noise goes away. If so the PS will need attention.

[adrian jaye]

dude,
does it happen at low speed or on idle ?

also possibly drian and replace the fluid
remember my problem I had, gone after changing PS fluid

Originally Posted by Makis

Belts and rollers done less then 3 months ago and the chain tensioner assembly should be OK as I had the head out less then 6 months ago. It only happens intermittent and by the time I switch off the stereo and try to play with the steering to diagnose the problem the noise goes away. I might experiment removing the PS belt and drive if for a while and see if the noise goes away. If so the PS will need attention.

[Makis]

Thanks adrian, I swapped my PS fluid around the same time you done yours not more then 10k miles ago. The noise happens while moving slowly around 20 mph and it does not depend where I am turning the wheel or not. Also at parking manovre I sometime hear the distinctive PS grawn but that noise is somehow different to the one I get when I am driving. I am not concerned with the parking noise as that is acceptable to me I heard it before but I am somehow concered with this one. I am not excluding other possibilities like
Water pump
Oil pump
Alternator
(no AC)
But again I have not noticed any water leaks or unusual oil presure readings or loss of charging.

[djnolan]

from reading up on noises from this area, it is "possibly" a WP problem instead of a PS problem. i was reading a post about this and suggest you search on water pump noise, etc.

Also an asstant to turn the wheel, give it gas, etc while you listen would probably be most helpful in isloating the problem. also a stethoscope to listen to each component would help you figure this out. you can make a stethosocope with vacum hose, etc.

[adrian jaye]

hi mate,
yep I remember now, defo sounds like my problem, poss ps motor noise then ????

previous poster suggested 2 people making checks, if you want we can try this one evening or weekend? can you get a stethascope? remember that guy at Porsche demonstrated it?

Might be a good idea to have one, esp. with the noise our cars make?

holla back mate

Originally Posted by Makis

Thanks adrian, I swapped my PS fluid around the same time you done yours not more then 10k miles ago. The noise happens while moving slowly around 20 mph and it does not depend where I am turning the wheel or not. Also at parking manovre I sometime hear the distinctive PS grawn but that noise is somehow different to the one I get when I am driving. I am not concerned with the parking noise as that is acceptable to me I heard it before but I am somehow concered with this one. I am not excluding other possibilities like
Water pump
Oil pump
Alternator
(no AC)
But again I have not noticed any water leaks or unusual oil presure readings or loss of charging.

[Wallace_]

This seems to be a common problem on S2's.
I had this problem and searched on Rennlist for an answer.
No one has posted this solution yet, so I thought I would.
I pulled the oil pressure relief valve and replaced the o-rings, and it fixed my groaning sound. It only costs a couple bucks, and it takes maybe 30 mins to do.
Just pull the passenger front wheel off, and use a long extension to get at the OPRV. Read up on clarks-garage.com on how to remove the OPRV.

Quoted from Rennlist:

"There is an issue with the oil relief valve, it seems to be particularly prevalent in the S2 models for some reason. If this is the cause, it is not a life threatening situation

Anyway, it is characterized by a low pitched moan, but it usually occurs between 1,000 and 2,000 RPM’s.

There are a lot of people on the S2 E-mail list (944-s2@rennlist.org )that have experience with this issue. "


"This is a bit of a long shot, but there is a fairly common problem with the S2’s making a groaning sound from the oil pressure relief valve. However, this valve is located under the oil filter. This moan usually happens at low rpms, mine does it between 1,000 and 2,000 rpms.

If this is the problem, people usually replace the O-rings. From what I understand, this moaning from the oil pressure relief valve does not damage the engine. "

[Makis]

Thanks, for the replies. Looks like the OPRV lead is worth persuing as is the easiest option to do. The noise I get does seem to happen at low rpm.