Mitsubishi Delica Owners Club UK™

RobH · Joined: 20 Apr 2010 Posts: 250 Location: Chester

I've been hearing a deep drumming sound from the front left wheel area when applying full right lock for the last few months. There is also some accompanying vibration. It's recently got worse and I noticed the PS pump seemed to have started making a bit of a whirring, whining noise. The PS fluid level had dropped significantly since I last checked it a few months ago. There's no obvious evidence of leakage. Topping up the fluid (probably 75mls added) stopped the whine but the drumming on full lock persists.
My guess is the PS pump is knackered. Any other suggestions please?

3L V6 2002 petrol/lpg 7 seater Chamonix.

Thanks, Rob

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PinkPig · Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2025 10:26 Post subject:

You can get power steering leak stop fluid which may revive the seals for a bit, worth a try. Clean everything and get someone to stear lock to lock while you get underneath and look for leaks. May just be a pip union or flexible pipe, but likely one of the rack seals.
The thrumming noise may be the steering going too far and straining he pump - check if the steering bump/lock stops are present (to stop the wheels turning too far). Not sure what they'd look like on an L400.
Could also be unrelated - CV joints is a possible.
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RobH · Joined: 20 Apr 2010 Posts: 250 Location: Chester

Thanks for the suggestion(s). I've been monitoring it but I don't think there's anything leaking out, in which case I've no idea where the PS fluid went. Excessive rack travel was a good suggestion but the thrumming is increasingly present as the steering turns past neutral towards right lock, it doesn't need to be near full lock. I did wonder about the front drive components as the noise and vibration is especially bad in reverse. I expect I'll be certain what the problem is when something eventually fails completely.

Cheers
Rob