S70GLT 1998 120,000

tmower · Post by **tmower** » 17 Mar 2011, 17:56

Engine is replacement engine. In turning the steering wheel to guide the car, this produces a low noise, a little vibration.
Is the car safe to drive?
Right wheel bearing was replaced in 2009 and Left w/b was replaced in 2010. Do these wear out in just a year or two?
I appreciate your input! Many thanks.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 17 Mar 2011, 19:46

The hubs are usually good to go for at least 100K unless they were a shoddy aftermarket replacement. Is the vibration more of a noise or a "feel" ? A common failure is the joint through the firewall having a dry bearing to the steering rack. That is more of a "feeling" failure than a "sound" failure though but it can be fixed with a shot of lubricant in most cases.

Noises and vibration as you get to full lock on either direction on the steering are usually the power steering pump.

...Lee

tmower · Post by **tmower** » 17 Mar 2011, 20:02

Yesterday, I noticed this only when starting make a left/right turn. This doesn't seem noticeable while driving straight.
There seems to be a low hum/whine sound , not really much vibration, but could be some.
The W/B's were charged back to me for approx $225 each -- one replaced October 2010 and the other in November 2009.
Appreciate your input.

Post by **jimmy57** » 17 Mar 2011, 21:22

IS the power steering fluid low or fluid spoiled and foaming up in reservoir when engine is running?

tmower · Post by **tmower** » 18 Mar 2011, 06:43

When I have this checked out today, what do you recommend?

Post by **jblackburn** » 18 Mar 2011, 06:56

It sounds like the power steering system giving you feedback. Check the level of the fluid; when mine was low when I first bought the car, I thought it needed a new pump, but the fluid was just low.

A 1998 uses Dexron-III auto transmission fluid - do NOT put power steering fluid in it!!!

As Jimmy said, if the fluid looks frothy, you need to completely flush the system because two types of fluids have been mixed.

tmower · Post by **tmower** » 18 Mar 2011, 07:06

Thanks to you guys. I will request this 1st. If the system does need to be completely flushed, just refill with Dexron - III auto trans fluid??

Post by **jblackburn** » 18 Mar 2011, 07:08

tmower · Post by **tmower** » 18 Mar 2011, 07:21

Thanks! I will let you know how I make out later on.

tmower · Post by **tmower** » 18 Mar 2011, 13:59

Had the Fluid level checked. It was 1/2 empty. The noise disappeared. Still had the car checked out - up on the lift.
A leak was revealed and it was determined a rack would be needed. Could this have been a slow leak, setting off a check engine code of 0172??