Car moans when I turn left

SUSAN1997

MEMBER
1997 TOYOTA COROLLA
1.6L
AUTOMATIC
227,000 MILES

Just got car back from shop. Original visit. Took car in for smog repair. Done.
Oil change. Done.
Power steering leak.
Here's what they replaced.
Timing belt.
Camshaft seal.
Front crankshaft seal.
Upper power steering hose.
Valve cover gasket set.
Serpentine belt.

Second visit.
Had to take back due to chirping noises began immediately after getting the car back. Noises occurred when I accelerated, while parked, and then intermittently when I drove.
They replaced:
Power steering belt.
A/C belt.

Next visit TBD.
Now car is making moaning noises when I turn left and I am taking the car back.
Questions:
1. What should I expect to be the problem?
2. Did they put on a faulty part, or put something back incorrectly?
3. Are there other Forums to ask questions on?

Thank you.

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,640 POSTS

Hi,

Do you hear the noise when moving, stopped, or both? If you hear it when stopped, is it coming from under the hood? Have you checked the power steering fluid level?

Let me know.

Joe

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Thursday, March 12th, 2020 AT 6:25 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,186 POSTS

Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can hear the noise? That would be great. You can upload it here with your response.

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Thursday, March 12th, 2020 AT 7:00 PM

SUSAN1997

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Ken, Admin, Thank you for quick reply! I am challenged however to drive and record sounds at the same time.

Joe, as well thank you for the quick reply! The noise happens when I am turning left from a stop. It kind of happens when I am parked whether I turn the wheel left or right but not as pronounced. Fluid wise, the shop supposedly filled my power steering but it seems dry from a cold engine or a warm engine.

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Thursday, March 12th, 2020 AT 7:11 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,640 POSTS

Do me a favor. Here are the directions for checking the fluid. Check to make sure it is full.

____________________________

1997 Toyota Corolla Sedan 4-Door L4-1587cc 1.6L DOHC MFI
Fluid Level Check
Vehicle Steering and Suspension Steering Power Steering Power Steering Fluid Testing and Inspection Component Tests and General Diagnostics Fluid Level Check
FLUID LEVEL CHECK

pic 1

PROCEDURE
1. Keep vehicle level.
2. Check fluid level in the oil reservoir, with the engine stopped. If necessary, add fluid.

Fluid Type: ATF DEXRON II or III

NOTE: Check that the fluid level is within the HOT LEVEL range on the reservoir cap dipstick. If the fluid is cold, check that it is within the COLD LEVEL range.

3. Boost fluid temperature.
A. Start the engine and run it at idle.
B. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to boost fluid temperature.

Fluid Temperature: 8° C (17° F).

Pic 2

4. Check for foaming or emulsification. If there is foaming or emulsification, bleed power steering system.

Pic 3

5. Check fluid level rise.
A. With the engine idling, measure the fluid level in the oil reservoir.
B. Stop the engine.
C. Wait a few minutes and remeasure the fluid level in the reservoir.

Maximum Fluid Level Rise: 5 mm (0.20 inch).

NOTE: If a problem is found, bleed power steering system.

6. Check fluid level

_______________________________________

Let us know what you find. If it's low, it can cause a noise.

Take care,
Joe

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Thursday, March 12th, 2020 AT 7:29 PM

SUSAN1997

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you. I just got it back from the shop. One of the things they were supposed to fix was the power steering leak. They told me they put fluid in. This was last Friday. If it's already empty they didn't fix the leak. I'm taking it back tomorrow. I don't want to touch anything they can blame me for.