tea pot type whistle

[holden66]

Today I took my pagoda out for a 40 mile drive.  The drive was mostly done on highways and speeds about 45 to 70.  About midway, at a speed of 60 approx, a "shrill, high pitch noise" developed and it sounded like it was coming from the steering area.  I have had this happen before.  It does not always happen.  Thermostat temperature showed normal on the gauge.  Almost sounding like a tea pot whistle when water is boiling.

Second issue is that a loud, rubbing, fog horn type noise occurs when steering in tight places such as backing out of the garage.....or going forward slowly......stops when the car is in full motion.

Any thoughts on what may be causing these noises? 

John
66 230SL (USA)

[Chrisheg]

The whistle might be your speedometer or tach cable.

[graphic66]

That loud foghorn sound is probably the power steering pump. Check the fluid level and put in a new filter first. I suck out all the old fluid I can with my mighty vac, pull out the filter and put in a new one and fill it up. But probably all you need to do to stop the noise is fill the reservoir, jack up the front of the car and with it running turn the steering wheel lock to lock several times, this will help bleed the air out of the system. Recheck your level and give it a try. It is also never good to hold the steering wheel at full lock for very long.

[Jonny B]

Was the temperature on the low side? I have had the whistling/screeching noise from the speedo when the temperatures here in NE Ohio drop into the low forties and high thirties.

[holden66]

Jonny B,

The temperature was about 45 to 50 degrees.  I have heard it before....cannot pick up a pattern.

John

[holden66]

I am taking the car in tomorrow.  I think the speedometer cable is a good possibility on the loud whistle.  I checked the power steering fluid reservoir, and it was about one half full.  My mechanic told me previously that my power steering reservior had a leak.  So maybe this low level of fluid is the problem.  any idea of cost of replacing the power steering fluid reservoir?

John
66 230 SL

[w113dude]

Hi John,
If the power steering box has a leak it's letting air in to the system it will make that kind of noise. Look at the pump reservoir if it has foamy look to it there is a leak somewhere.

[graphic66]

I would guess that your leak is the output seal on the pump itself, just a  shot in the dark, the reservoir is very simple and I can't picture anywhere it would leak except for where the hoses connect. A quick look will most likely tell.
  My advice would be to clean up the whole area, jack it up, get right under using every safety precaution needed to not get hurt. Wipe down everything, especially right where it looks like it's leaking now if you can see it. you pretty much can spend as much time as you want, there are a lot of shiny gizmos down there that always need cleaning. Then drive the car around, now not in the rain, it must be dry. Your leak will appear somewhere, maybe just some new hoses and clamps. Don't forget to order a new power steering oil  filter and change the fluid while your at it. Might as well get the gasket for the reservoir lid. The leak could be a very small intake leak on the suction side and possibly foaming your oil, look close at all the connections, that leak isn't as visible as a pressure side leak. And never ever run your hand along a hydraulic hose while it has pressure, it can inject fluid into your body and cause infections.
   My car had the groan, checked everything out, oil level stayed full, and no leaks. My bleeder screw is broke off in the power steering gearbox. So I  just jacked the car up with it running did the lock to lock thing a bunch of times and it went away. Now whenever I jack it up I do that while it's up there.
  The whole pump, if it is the pump is around $200.00, I still can't imagine the reservoir leaking, but who knows with the W113, it has it's own set of rules.

[w113dude]

John,

I woke up this morning thinking about your noise issue (yes that's right I don't have much else to think about first thing in the morning  ,)
I think you may have two or more noise issues, If whooshing or whising noise is coming from the steering area, it may be your brake vacuum booster that is leaking, to verify this unhook the large hose going to the booster while the engine is running & see if the noise is still there.

[holden66]

In regards to the loud rubbing, binding loud noise that I was experiencing while turning the steering wheel in tight spots (fog horn type noise/rubbing noise).......my mechanic looked at the car and told me that I needed a power steering pump; power steering box; power steering pressure hose and fluid. 

He gave me what seems to be a very significant price to do this.....mainly the cost of the box ran the cost up.  I am hesitant to give out the price over the internet......but does this make sense, and what do you think it should cost approx......

John
230 SL USA 1966

[w113dude]

I have rebuilt a few of these boxes, if interested let me know.

[jeffc280sl]

John,

My experience indicates your power steering pump is failing.  At speed your pump can provide sufficient pressure help the power steering box turn the wheels.  When rpms are low and the steering wheel turning load is high the pump just can't keep up.  The pump is relatively easy to replace but it is a dirty job if its been leaking.  You will need a power steering pulley puller to do the job.  You can also but a set of seals for your pump and rebuild it.  Others on this site have done that.  I found that when I got the hydraulic pressure where it should be with a new pump I developed a leak in the steering gear box.  The leak mainly occurs on the top of the pump around an adjustment disk used to remove steering play.  That leak can be fixed with a new o-ring without taking the box off the car.  If you supply the labor the job of rebuilding the pump and putting a new seal on the box will cost about $100.00 for parts and pulley puller.

[graphic66]

OK, I'm going to suggest a very debatable possible temporary/ permanent fix. I would suck out all the fluid I could then add about 1/2 power steering fluid and 1/2 or more of a product  called Moreys Oil Stabilizer and bleed the system. This stuff is just extra thick oil probably heavy in Zinc and other additives. http://www.moreysoil.com/products.cfm  I have added this stuff to everything. I had an automatic tranny start acting up and slipping, added a bunch of moreys and got another 20,000 miles on it. I always add it to my engine oil and power steering. I had an output seal leak on my truckpower steering, broke two steering arm pullers and still couldn't get at the seal, yup, added a bunch of Moreys, leak stopped and never started again. It is just what I would do and have done, yes it is Snakoyl, but it has worked great for me. It is in my 230Sl power steering always, and the engine.  For $30.00n it may be worth a try. I still think you just have a small air leak somewhere anyways and you really don't need every component. The number one rule on my stuff is- "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"

[holden66]

After much thought and angst, and in consideration of my lack of mechanical skills, I have authorized my mechanic to order a new power steering pump and power steereing box.  It is going to cost about $3,000 including labor.  This is probably not the least expensive option, but I am counting on this issue not coming up again any time soon.  I have more in the car than it it worth, but I do love the car.  My wife is describing the car as a (money pit). 

I am so impressed and appreciative of all the very accurate analysis and time that several of you took to advise.  Many thanks. 

John
1966 230SL automatic USA

[w113dude]

My wife is describing the car as a (money pit). 

I agree with your wife on this one, 3K for the repair?

[glenn]

I've got one in North Carolina for a lot cheaper!!!  230SL 617 947 6399