Here is how to fix a faulty steering

Hello Paul, my Mercedes Benz ML164 has a faulty steering system. The steering wheel falters intermittently when I turn it and makes a strange sound. I have been advised to check the steering fluid level, which may be the source of that sound. However, the steering fluid looks fine, though dark in colour. What could be the fault? Jonathan.

Hello Jonathan, the W164’s speed-sensitive steering system relies on ATF steering fluid to use hydraulics to power the steering gearing system, which lightens the load of the road wheels on your steering. The steering system relies on steering fluid to build hydraulic pressure in order to work.

Steering hydraulic fluid is designed to cool and lubricate the steering system. It should also remain in suspension to carry away deposits to the steering fluid reservoir filter. Ideally, steering fluid should be renewed every 50,000 kilometres or when and as it changes colour from bright red.

Failure to do so prevents the above hydraulic function. This will lead to possible damage of the steering pump as well as the steering rack or gearing system. The noise you hear is probably from the damaged steering pump. I would start by changing the steering pump. The mechanic will need to use the recommended ATF oil and do bleeding to evacuate the vacuum from the system otherwise it will remain noisy. Use a knowledgeable or experienced technician as well as genuine parts.

Please advise on which type of Toyota Noah is better in terms of efficiency, maintenance, fuel economy. I am a bit impressed by the newer model with a wider body but I do not know its demerits. Simon K

Hello Simon, Toyota Noah is built as a Multi Purpose Van (MPV), is versatile and designed to transport people or their luggage comfortably and economically.

The common types on Ugandan car market are the 1996 Townace Noah with a 2.0 litre 3S-FE petrol engine or 2.2L 3CE Diesel engine and the 2001 Noah/Voxy with a 2.0 L 1AZ-FSE petrol engine. Judging from the appearance the 2001-2004 Noah Voxy is not only newer but looks imposing and smarter.

Noah Voxy’s appearance is not deceptive. It is more spacious and better designed with a practical layout of eight seats, in three rows, which can be adjusted or split to suit multi-purposes such as conference style seating (seats facing backwards), carrying a bicycle and passengers at the same time, a baby mover, school drop off, airport pickups and market shopping.

The accessories and amenities in Townace Noah are basic compared to Noah Voxy, which offers a range of deluxe features such as dual-zone climate control, CD & Mini Disc, reverse camera and parking sensors on some of them.

The Noah Voxy’s 1AZ-FSE engine delivers 148 horsepower at 5,700rpm, which is a more impressive and powerful performance compared to Noah Townace’s 3S-FE’s 126 horsepower at 5,600rpms. You will have a more thrilling and better engine response when driving the newer Noah Voxy than the older Townace.

This is due to Variable Valve Timing (VVTi) and Direct Four (D4) fuel delivery technology in the 2001 Noah. I must hasten to add that this new technology requires dedicated maintenance with genuine parts. You must carefully choose the engine oil you service it with and where you fuel it from as the VVTi D4 engine is intolerant to wrong engine oil and fuel without cleaning detergents.

But this should not be a show stopper as you can find additive fuels and lubricants with cleaning additives at leading fuel dealers such as Shell. The Toyota Noah Voxy when well maintained and driven sensibly delivers a fuel economy result of about 11km/ litre on the highway while the smaller TownAce does 12km/litre.

The small fuel economy variance is due to difference in size and engine output revolutions per minute. But the design, comfort and performance attributes of the newer Noah should outweigh the benefit of the small fuel economy difference. The parts availability for both vehicle models is excellent and the Noah Voxy’s timing chain does not require an expensive replacement at 100,000 kilometres.

Ask the mechanic (0772316145), send sms: mycar (space) your comments and questions to 6933,
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