whirring

[goaferboy]

right. i have a whirring on my fc and its annoying me. its not really effecting anything, the car starts fine, drives fine and everything else but its just annoying.

it happens when using the power steering at low speeds. the revs drop a little bit (it always does so thats not unusual) and i hear a whirring. the whirring isnt there when im not using the power steering. iv been told to check the power steering fluid level but the cap to check it isnt there (or at least not where the manual says it should be, near the oil filler cap)

any help would be appreciated. luke

[banned advertiser]

not at home or will look up where it is for you, but deff check the fluid or maybe pump is on its way out, or belt

[goaferboy]

cheers. the steering seems fine (no jerkyness or stiffness etc). if that help anyone to figure out what it is?

if i recall correctly the whirring get louder when the revs increase. although the whirring is only there when theres a load on the power steering

[Grizzly]

http://www.rx7club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=97513
I am not too hot with photo shop so i\'ll discribe where to look.

On the Pic (link above ^) follow the Strut brace to the bottom of the Pic, there is a Big alloy casting with two pulleys on just under the Strut bar, now if you look on the other side of this casting you\'ll see a Black Container with a screw on lid (has a Pic that looks like a steering wheel on the top) thats the Baby, there should be a dipper on the lid.

BTW if yours is a Turbo it will look a bit more Cluttered round there but its in the same place.

[Grizzly]

Also you may have air in the system, top the level up and turn the steering from lock to lock a few times, you may also need a new Belt (may be it slipping that you can here???)

[clive]

right. i have a whirring on my fc and its annoying me. its not really effecting anything, the car starts fine, drives fine and everything else but its just annoying.

it happens when using the power steering at low speeds. the revs drop a little bit (it always does so thats not unusual) and i hear a whirring. the whirring isnt there when im not using the power steering. iv been told to check the power steering fluid level but the cap to check it isnt there (or at least not where the manual says it should be, near the oil filler cap)

any help would be appreciated. luke

Hi Luke and welcome to MRC,

You say you cant find filer, is it an EGI ( Non Turbo) if so it may not have power steering ?

Also its possable that its as simple as a fan belt thats too tight

[goaferboy]

thanks for the welcome!

i was told by the previous owner that it was an egi but im pretty sure it does have power steering. either that or its very light. is there any way of checking that its an egi? (ie chassis/engine number?). iv always wanted to make sure since mines a 1988 model (non turbo) and aparently they started in 1989

i cant get that picture to load above so iv took a picture of the manual diagram. it says the filler should be number 8 but theres nothing there
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/goaferboy/100_0821.jpg

if it turns out i dont have power steering i shall feel stupid! atlhough it definately feels like i have it. i can turn the steering wheel when stationary with my little finger!

[goaferboy]

right i took a picture of the mazdas engine bay and i think iv found it. is it the white bowtie shaped cap thingy to the left of the oil filler in this picture?

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b76/goaferboy/100_0838.jpg

its around the area where the manual says it should be (it looked like it should be below the oil filler in this picture) and iv no idea whats its for.

[Grizzly]

Yep the White Bow tie looking thing, That looks like a Make shift top or one of another Model.

At least you know where to look now to check the level, may be worth keeping your Eyes open for the correct top.

[goaferboy]

yeah. im hoping the dipstick built into the lid has the correct markers on it.

[Grizzly]

I\'m sure if you ask one of the guys with a NA fc they will tell you how long it should be (or rather where the Marks should be)

[Jit]

check the power steering cooler lines...they are prone to corroding and losing fluid.

[Grizzly]

Out of intrest is there oil in it?

[goaferboy]

just checked. its bone dry! what do i top it up with? thats probably a dumb question but iv never had power steering before

[Grizzly]

TBH i don\'t know what grade it is it usaly just says Power steering fluid on the Bottle??

I know once you top it up turn the steering from lock to lock a few times to get the air out, as One2Watch says check for oil leaks (there will proberly be a reason for it not haveing oil in) Also try not to spill any when you top it up as it will cover any possable leaks around the Pump its self.