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My first car question on this website!

I have a Toyota Celica (6th generation) and when I steer fully either to the right or left it makes a noise.

I've read that this probably the power steering pump. If it is, can anything be done about? I'm taking it to a garage to be looked at, but I just wanted some information from you guys about what you think, you know, so I'm more informed about the situation and know that I'm not going to be ripped off.

Could be CV joints ,they will only make a noise when on full lock one way or the other
but ...just found this
http://www.toyotafans.net/i-have-a-knoc ... t21369.htm

Sounds perfectly normal.
When you turn the wheel the power steering pump pumps and helps you do it. When you reach full lock the pump keeps pumping but cannot push any further and you hear a sort of squeeking noise as the fluid is pumped but cannot go anywhere. Just try not to hold it in that position for a long time, rather turn the steering wheel back towards straight ahead by just a few degrees (5 mins on a clock face) and the noise should stop.

My thought exactly mike. Air in the system will also cause nasty noises i believe.

Foggy - that is interesting. I think the sound isn't so much a knocking, but more a "struggling" squeak. I will bear it in mind though as a possibility.

Mike/Hitch - If that is the way things are then I will just try to not get in quite a full lock to avoid the sound. The Celica has quite a wide turning circle, so I often have it in full lock. I will miss having the last few degrees!

The garage I've taken my car to, I've not been there before. I was recommended I go there so hopefully he's good. I'm hoping it doesn't turn out like my Renault Megane in which no-one could ever sort any bleedin' thing out!

PS Hitch - Respect to your avatar!

this is normal as said; bleed PS system and it may quieten it a little.

toyota PAS systems are generally a little more "squeelier" than others

Yeah, CV joints if it's a clonking sound on full lock *and* moving, otherwise power steering pump.

My Rover Cabriolet does the same - only one way and I'm assuming it's a sensor or something that's conked out. Probably dearer than the car is worth to replace.

Raf wrote:this is normal as said; bleed PS system and it may quieten it a little.

toyota PAS systems are generally a little more "squeelier" than others

Just in case anybody cares; when I got my car back they said there is nothing wrong with the PS pump. I might have a look at bleeding the pump to see if that sorts it out. In the mean time I will just have to be Mr Squeelie.

just remembered my old astra...
had a similar bit of a squeal on full lock but then it developed into a loud squeal even if i turned the wheel a little bit... changed the power steering pump... fixed..

I had this problem on my Audi i just bought, turns out it was the belt tensioner. I still get a slight noise now which is still worrying, but seems to go away if i put a bit more gas down when i'm parking etc.