Wobbly Steering and Loud Squealing

[shakeyjake]

Hi, I'm new to the forums and hope somebody can help with this.

A couple of days ago I noticed the steering on my van to being 'wobbling', like the van was being quickly pulled to the left and back.

Since then the issue has gradually gotten worse to the point that it is now constantly like it. Not only that, but it is accompanied by a deafeningly loud high-pitched squealing noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The noise seems to get louder the faster I go, but this just could be me not hearing it properly - it is literally deafening, leaving my ears ringing.

I've done some searching online and it seems like it's probably the power steering - specifically the power steering belt. Does this sound right?

I'm completely new to this and I can't seem to locate it. I have located one belt on the NSF of the engine, quite low down, which runs parallel with the vehicle, and this seems tight - I can't twist it much more than 45-90° - so I'm assuming either this isn't the power steering belt, or it is and I have another problem.

I really have no idea where to look. Here's a pic of under the bonnet.

Thanks in advance for any help or advice

[Punto443]

Power steering pump is located on the rhs of the engine down the front, follow the pipe from the desk reservoir down to the pump, it's connected to the water pump.

I take it it couldn't be a seized front brake? Just from your description on it pulling to one side?

[shakeyjake]

I take it it couldn't be a seized front brake? Just from your description on it pulling to one side?

It could well be. Like I said, I literally have no idea when it comes to this stuff. How would I go about checking this out?

[Punto443]

When the vans stationary, but engine running, turn the steering lock to lock and see if it makes the noise?

If that's ok, jack it up and spin the wheels by hand,
The flexible brake hoses are a very common failure on these, they collapse internally and act like a one way valve causing brake calliper
To act like its siezed

[shakeyjake]

When the vans stationary, but engine running, turn the steering lock to lock and see if it makes the noise?

No noise when I do this. Does that mean it's likely not the power steering?

If that's ok, jack it up and spin the wheels by hand,
The flexible brake hoses are a very common failure on these, they collapse internally and act like a one way valve causing brake calliper
To act like its siezed

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll have to wait until tomorrow to do this. If this happens to be the problem, how easy is it to fix? I studied electrical engineering (albeit a while ago), so I'm handy with tools and capable of taking things apart and putting them back together again properly - I just have no clue when it comes to mechanical stuff without guidance

[Punto443]

Sounds like it's not the steering then

If it's the flexi hose it's a fairly simple
Fix, just swap the hose and bleed the brakes

Once you've got it jacked up, pump the brakes a couple of times before trying to spin the wheels.

[shakeyjake]

Well, I jacked it up and it doesn't seem to be the brakes. The wheel wobbles from side to side with about an inch give in it. Also when spinning it, it has a sound of metal grinding against metal.

Here's a video... https://youtu.be/We0E-Zw_Rws

Bearings?

[Punto443]

Yeah that looks a bit f***!

[shakeyjake]

Yeah that looks a bit f***!

Yeah, I think that's the technical term, lol.

Any ideas, or time to take it to a garage?

[Punto443]

Failed under controlled testing. (FUCT)

[knobby1]

Sounds like wheel bearing has possibly died....unless you have the knowledge and all the tools and gubbins to do it yourself, you'll be best off getting it to a good mechanic to get it sorted.

Lord Knobrot