V6 2,7TDI Strange noise when cold

[kristofferS]

My car has started to make a strange noise when its cold, but it seems to go away when the engine starts to get warmer. It also fluctates (dont know if this is a word?) with the RPM of the engine.
First I thought it was the front bumper (my driving side, yours passenger) but not sure.
If I go fast over a bump, it also makes a strange noise - like the bumper lacks grease? :confused:


It seems the tank for steering wheel fluid is empty (just found out) and I will try to get this filled tomorrow (anything to share?)
Could it be related? Or could it be the issue?

[Guest 2]

3.0tdi engine noise from cold (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?162992-3-0tdi-engine-noise-from-cold) same idea?

[kristofferS]

Nah, Chris - not quite I think. I saw this earlier today, but did not think it was related.

I cant describe it as an ticking noise, more of a grinding noise?
I'll try to make a recording of it a day :)

If its the lack of hydraulic oil for the servo steering, would that be harmful? :zx11:

[zollaf]

a lack of oil in the steering system is a sign that there is a leak, probably quite a big one. left without topping up , it will eventually lead to loss of power steering and probably the pump running dry and breaking. if this happens on a bend, you will crash. please don't drive the car until you have topped up the power steering and worked out what is damaged and causing the leak.

[kristofferS]

I might have confused things in my engine room :)
See attached picture (Gup, I lent some of yours, you have so many)

The green arrow: this is for what?
26331

[Guest 2]

Green arrow is the power steering reservoir.

[kristofferS]

It might be that then, I'll get it filled up tomorrow :)

Anything I need to know about it? besides the good tips from zollaf, which I intend to follow :D

[Alan02]

Use the correct type of oil, possibly Mineral oil, it will tell you on the reservoir cap. Usually a Green fliud. Red fluid is ATF oil (auto trans). Dont mix them.

[apole]

It will say what fluid type on the cap. Something like chf from memory. At the time I bought some halfords was the best price.

Halfords | Halfords Central Hydraulic Fluid (CHF) 1L (http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductMobileDisplay?catalogId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=255219&productId=270309&storeId=10001)

Check this is correct first.

I had a slight weep from a pipe when I got the car easily fixed.

As others have said best get it found and fixed before going anywhere in it.

[apole]

Also just in case you don't fill it right up. There is a dipstick in the cap with levels for hot and cold. Once topped up run the engine and move steering wheel from lock to lock then recheck level.

[philfingers]

Was this the problem, low fluid? Sounds similar to mine too,
2.7tdi Manual whines when cold, PAS? (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?163200-2-7tdi-Manual-whines-when-cold-PAS&goto=newpost)

[kristofferS]

Yes, it was the fluid. I have checked every day since I topped it up, seems to be stable.
Strange though - but it might be related to an issue I had earlier when the drivebelt snapped?

[philfingers]

Checked mine today too, low fluid. Obviously when cold the volume drops. Have some fluid ordered, no leaks as I can see.
Running dry won't wreck the pump, not in the short term. I did a 200 mile rally in my Peugeot and it didn't affect the pump, only my arms, they felt like the after effects of two rounds with Mike Tyson, battling with a LSD and no PAS!
thanks for the update!