hey all, got a rover 420 last week, 99v. anyway ive thought the steering was quite heavy, having only just lifted the bonnet (yes that is bad i know) i noticed the power steering fluid was quite low, just topped it up, will that make any difference in the steering? if so how much? also theres a rattle from the exhaust about level with the front seats, no clamps loose or anything, also theres a "sporty" grumble from the backbox, its definately not a aftermarket exhaust, a total standard one, will i need a new system? if so how much will one likely to cost?

asked the guys at a rover forum didnt get one reply!!!!

The rover forums are pants, I've given up asking about things on there. You tell them the problem, exactly what you've have already tried and still they tell you to change something you've already said you've changed. Then they generally tell you that you head gasket has gone.Reguarding your problems, topping up the fluid would definately be a good place to start because if it's really low, the power steering pump might start to try and pump air around the system and the steering will feel heavier .The exhaust grumble could be down to a hole in one of your silencers. Check around the welds where the pipe goes into the silencer. I always found on my 214's that they would sometimes crack and start blowing. Generally get a nice sooty ring around it if that is the case. The knocking could be a worn mounting which is letting the system move about enoungh to knock against the underside of the car.Hope this helps.

Also, forgot to say, new exhaust bits for Rovers should be too pricey. Try somewhere like Partco. I used to go there for backboxes for my 214, Usually never cost me more than about £40.

exhaust could be the Catalyst core broken up inside

exhaust could be the Catalyst core broken up inside

Thinking about it, if it's a rattle then it'll most likely be the heat shield around the cat, it rusts on the corners and comes loose. Easily sorted with a couple of little blobs of weld.

Could be a baffle rattling around insid the silencer.

Try turning the steering lock to lock several times and hold it on full lock for a few seconds at a time. , this will help bleed any air that might have got in the system.

cheers for advice guys ill try that, gonna take it to quick fit in the morning (not for the work to be done there) just to get a diagnostic off them, although will i get told ill need a complete new system? never really dealt with them before