noisy manual steering

[steveb]

I have a horrible grinding/hissing sound when pressure is applied to the steering, particularly on right turn. It's a manual box and doesn't seem to be speed related. Could this be a fault in the box or column. Has anyone experienced anything like this? I'm at a loss to understand what it could be!

[Dart Vader]

Sounds like the box is worn, maybe the worm inside has more wear on one side

There are normally a few ones around, Duncan had some at Nats

[steveb]

Thanks for the reply. It seems a logical answer.
I'm not too familiar with the inside of a steering box.
How could a manual box make this sound just by applying pressure to the steering wheel?

[JohnR]

When you turn the wheel you aply pressure to one side of the steering wheel and shaft , so the bearings /bushes get worn on that side same when you turn the other way , BUT you have grease nipples on the ball joints have they had and grease in them ????????????????? is it hard to turn the wheel when stopped it will be a bit of an effort but when you start to move it will ease up , also check that the box has some oil in it !!!!!!!!!!!! you can use "one shot "swivel hub grease for a Landrover in place of oil , it is a very runny grease that will not leak out of the seals like oil can , on the other han your box could be completely shot ,

[steveb]

Thanks John
Steering is fairly easy to turn when parked and no noise then.
I'll check a few of your comments tomorrow on oil and grease.
The headers run extremely close to the column - I'm wondering if this is touching at times although if it was only when turning I could understand the noise but to be there when just under pressure and not just when turning is baffling me!

[steveb]

Sorted. The column was in contact with the header at times and engine noise transmitted through the column. With a bit of heat the header pipe was eased away and bingo! - noise gone.