Search the Community

I noticed that the power steering is producing a whine when cold start, the whine slowly disappears when the engine runs for a few minutes. The power steering reservoir is also having a little foaming, by the way I had the PS fluid flushed, there is no leak anywhere and the workshop has checked but the problem remains. What could be the cause?

I had a steering sound problem. So I was at my usual workshop on Saturday (OPC), getting them to check if the steering wheel bushing or the shaft was required changing. About 30 mins after I left the car there, they called and said that the steering wheel bushing was ok, and the shaft had to be changed. I had no time to leave the car for 3 hours, so I told them next time. It was the day, so I didn't check the lights (didn't make sense to also). The dashboard lights were normal, so I drove and went to have fun. In the evening, it was dark, so I had to switch on the headlights. That was when I realised the dashboard lights were unlit. When I switched off the headlights, the dashboard lights came back. This affected the gear indicator (R was unaffected), aircon display, clock display. Turning signals ran fine, my headlights were on fine, tailights were ok. Only the dashboard backlights. So i went down to my workshop today and see if they could spot anything fast (like check back what they had did on Saturday). Much theorycrafting later (without actually checking back the procedure they had done on Saturday, they had removed the power steering, so could be the connection?), they asked me to leave the car at the workshop to check wiring. So I didn't (had to go to work), and I probably have to waste the coming Saturday for them to check. Being not a believer of coincidence, it's quite hard for me to survive in a place full of coincidences such as car workshops. So I thought to ask if anyone had the same experience before, so as to be better equipped. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

It seems that neither is there a perfect automaker or a perfect car. As the saying goes, "Nobody is perfect". You see, even such a huge and highly reputable automaker as Toyota can sometime overlook things while manufacturing its cars. The Japanese automaker has made an announcement in which it states its plan to recall 185,000 cars in total globally. Yes, that means that some of the Toyota cars on our shores will be affected by the recall as well. The recall is said to involve the Toyota Yaris (also known as the Vitz in some regions) from the 2010 to 2012 model years. In addition to those, the Ractis and Verso-S from the 2010 to 2011 model years will also be recalled. It is said that this global recall is due to a power steering failure. Toyota mentions that in case water happens to reach the inside of the power steering module, a short circuit could take place and the power steering will fail, forcing the driver to give more efforts while trying to turn the steering wheel. The Japanese automaker also mentions that when the failure emerges, the cars in question will switch on the Electronic Power Steering warning indicator as well as give out a buzzing sound. The recall affects 130,000 Toyota cars in Japan itself, 22,450 cars in Europe, 74 cars in the U.S., and the remaining 32476 cars in other parts of the world. So, if you own a Toyota, prepare yourself for the recall as the Japanese automaker will mail you (besides other Toyota owners, of course) and your dealer will be more than happy (well, they should, anyway) to replace your power steering module. While most automakers will normally recall their cars due to some safety issues, it's nice to see that Toyota recalls its cars due to some issues that are more likely comfort-oriented, as a power steering system is not absolutely needed to drive a car. You see, in the old days, cars didn't have this particular feature at all. But of course, most of us will feel like something's missing if we drive a car without a power steering feature these days.

The use and types of power steering systems Power steering has always been something that most, if not all, drivers in this world desire when it comes to driving a car. Without power steering, the steering wheel of a car often feels heavy for the driver to turn. Needless to say, this is not convenient at all. The power steering system that used to be available in most cars in the former days utilised a hydraulic system. Hydraulic power steering system In order to assist the movement of the steering wheel, a hydraulic power steering system counts on high pressure fluids. So, when the steering wheel is turned, the hydraulic power steering system will open up the pressurised fluid or flow such that it makes turning the steering wheel to the desired direction feel lighter. Electric power steering (EPS) system However, nowadays, it seems that most, if not all, automakers are leaving the hydraulic power steering system behind. They are more enthusiastic towards what is known as the electric power steering system. This new steering system works by taking advantage of an electric motor in addition to a control unit that features quite a few sensors. In order to function properly, the motor requires a battery as well as electric power. As everything is controlled by an electric module, the electric power steering system requires only minimum maintenance. If you are wondering how you will be able to tell whether a car uses hydraulic or electric power steering system, it isn

The most popular Lamborghini model to date, the Gallardo, is recalled due to potential fluid leak from the power steering hoses. These unlucky units are built between 2004 to 2006 and both the Gallardo Coupe and Spyder body styles are involved. The recall began in Australia, followed by Canada and now in the U.S. About 1,491 units are affected in the U.S. According to Lamborghini, high pressure hoses for the hydraulic-assisted power steering system may leak under certain driving conditions. Should this occur, a fire could break out if the fluid comes into contact with an ignition source. Lamborghini is notifying the affected owners, who can take their Gallardos to their dealers for repairs at no charge. The car is named after a famous breed of fighting bull and represented to many the smaller version of the Murcielago. The