whilst replacing the VTC springs to solving one rattle (i think) I seem to have created another! While everything was out i took the opportunity to check all the belts. The Steering pump belt was quite lose so i tightened this up, put everthing back together, started it up and all seemed sweet until today. I now have a mettalic bearing type rattle that rises and drops with the engine speed until it has really warmed up then it goes. It seems to becoming from the power steering pump area. I have checked the power steering fluid levels and chucked in some additive but have had no luck.

 

Has anyone had anthing like this? Does the PS pump need replacing or can the bearing be fixed?

Could be air in the power steering system or the belt is too tight.

If the sounds get worse while steering (especially when steering fully right/left) it's probably air...if it's constant and no matter what you do it's probably the pump.

 

-Eric

 

PS: did you touch the bolt behind the pulley ? (and maybe forgot to tighten it again, so now it scrapes against the pulley)

Cheers Eric - Yes i did touch the bolt behind the pulley when I adjusted the belt tension, but i am sure that i tightened it back up. Is it possible to bleed the air out of the system?

this might help: http://300zx-twinturbo.com/manual/st/007.gif

Cheers Eris - I just came across this myself. I am starting to think it must be the pump but i will check it out tonight.

Hmm, maybe I don't have a leak, it just needs bleeding (topped it up last night and the steering got better - but then started making weird noises when parking earlier today!)

 

I wonder if the wine thermometer goes up to 80 degrees!