Bumping curb = noisy power steering?

[NZMiata]

Hi everyone. So before I recently went overseas I bumped one of those speed control zigzag things that our local councils like to put on residential streets. The front right tyre just barely hit the curb with the wheel turned to the left. No tyre damage and the wheel isn't warped. After the bump I started to notice a vibration between 50 and 60km/h, even on perfectly smooth roads. I got the alignment checked and the wheels balanced and rotated (it was due for this anyway). The vibration is still there. I can't feel any vibration outside of the 50-60km/h range and the car tracks perfectly straight, no pulling to the side or anything like that.

Now here's the confusing part. Since coming back from overseas the power steering is making a grinding noise. It is most noticeable when I'm turning right. It makes some noise at idle following a cold start, but quiets down once the engine (and the p/s pump?) is warmed up. It rarely happens when I'm turning left. If I idle through a right turn (i.e. clutch in) the noise is much quieter. I assume this is simply because the lower RPM means the p/s pump isn't spinning as fast. The fluid level is exactly where it should be.

Is it possible that bumping the curb has upset the power steering? Is there anything I should check to help diagnose the problem? I guess I may have to take it to a mechanic (or the driveway of a local dodgy brother )

Any assistance would be very appreciated!

Mark

[WASP]

You could try some LUCAS power steering additive

[bruce]

I always associate noisy power steering with low fluid.

[NZMiata]

Time for a happy update. I checked the fluid level again and it was actually a bit low. I topped it up with some Nulon power steering treatment stuff and it has been running silently ever since. Thanks for the suggestion!

[bruce]

Happy to have helped.
To fix any other engine problems; always check your spark plug leads!

Just thought - check you don't have any power steering leaks as you may have loosened one of the pipes with your bump?

[hks_kansei]

Low fluid can cause noise on right hand turns.

the pipe for the pump is on the right of the bottle, when you turn right, the fluid gets pulled to the left (g-force) and the pipe can suck in air. Dry pump = Noise


well, that's what mine did anyway.