Hello all !

My 1.6 Octavia has developed an annoying groaning/whining noise on full lock in either direction, it's at its loudest when you pull the steering wheel as far as it goes in either direction. It's also groans a bit when at a standstill and you turn the wheel either way but not when moving.

The noise sounds loudest from within the car (it's like your nextdoor neighbour is drilling a hole in the wall from his side!) but it's still fairly noticable outside. Apart from that the steering is fine and there's no noise otherwise.

Anyone any suggestions. I've done a search but wasn't too sure any of the results had similar problem to me.

Any help greatly appreciated !

Sounds like your power steering pump. First step would be to check the fluid level.

Cheers, I was thinking that after reading back through some old threads from some years ago since I first posted.

If the fluid is ok, what could the problem be with the pump, could it be damaged or is it just coincidence that hit a bump and the noise occured soon afterwards ?

The car is registered since 2001 but it's still under a 6 month warranty from the dealer I bought it from a few months back.

Pumps usually make a noise on full lock where they're working at their hardest. If I was being pessimistic I'd say you might have bent something on your bump, which might be making the pump have to work harder than normal, or the pump is on the way out. If the fluid's OK get it back to the dealer for them to check.

What with a wife and two kids under five, I get groaning and whining whether on full lock, or going straight ahead!

Well checked the fluid level and it looks fine, looks like I'm off to a dealer as the next step.