T4 fix advise

[ScottyD]

Hey guys, I have just a couple of questions on my 97 T4 and would be very appreciative of any advice..
firstly, my power steering squeals when near to the max... Normally I wouldn't bother, but at 5 am, it's not so cool.. Any ideas on how to fix this... On my Nissan Ute, it was just an area that needed greasing, but cannot seem to find it on the T4..

next Q, can the headlights be re-aligned... One seems to be somewhat spotlighty, and a bit off to one side...

thanks

[Sunny43.5]

Not sure about the power steering but the headlights can be adjusted but be warned the mounting parts are very fragile and they break without much effort . If you open the bonnet you should be able to see the adjusters around the outside of the headlight .

[JustCruisn]

Check the level of power steering fluid, when low they scream as there is nothing to pump.

[jets]

the headlights can be adjusted but be warned the mounting parts are very fragile and they break without much effort . If you open the bonnet you should be able to see the adjusters around the outside of the headlight .

I had to replace mine a few years back & mine is the later '01. Very common problem if you need to adjust. The adjusting screws are made of stainless & would probably outlast the van. The plastic on the other hand looks like the cheapest, not much better than children's toys.

[ScottyD]

Good info guys, thanks.. I topped up... And a little bit more, on the power steering fluid, which reduced some of the squeal, but not all of it.. I am pretty sure that something is rubbing somewhere when the PS is turned to maximum.. It's not from the tyres, as this occurs before and during motion..
The headlight adjustment was a bit fiddle, but seems ok now, although I may need to replace down the line...
Something that I forgot to ask was spongy brakes... The brakes where great when I bought the veh a few weeks ago, but now I need to give them a quick pump every time I brake... The fluid looks to be at the right level, so would this just be a brake bleed issue?
Loving all the advice...
cheers

[Sunny43.5]

I would suggest you get the van up and inspect the brake lines at each wheel , the hydraulic hoses could be decaying and when you press the brakes some of the pressure is lost to expanding hoses . Also do a quick test of the main master cylinder press the brake when stopped gently enough to put pressure into the lines check to see if the pedal gradually goes down it would indicate a leak around the piston inside the main cylinder .Some power steering systems will make noise on full lock and I suppose with age it could be noisier , it would not make sense for something to be rubbing as once it's on full lock nothing is moving anymore just pressure in the pump .

[ScottyD]

Couldn't get the van up yet, but did the brake pressure test. If I depress the brake pedal slowly, it goes all the way to the floor, but done quickly, it works and hold position... Sounds like a piston issue... I topped up the brake fluid and pumped the brakes a few times, the fluid didn't drop at all. Am I correct in my diagnosis? And how easy/ difficult is this to fix.. I am not a mechanic, but am a technician and pretty handy with tools.

[Sunny43.5]

If the pedal does go to the floor as described then yes the main servo would need an overhaul . When it does sink to the floor no fluid actually leaks it just gets around the end on the seals internally . Sort of like a worn engine piston the pressure just leaks back past the rings . As for fixing it your self well you could if possible get a new set of seals etc but the main problem would be that the bore of the master cylinder will probably be worn and could even have some fine rust pits in the bore . I would just remove it and get a mechanic or brake place to either machine it and fit new seals or buy a reconditioned one . In the good old days I did this sort of job myself by getting a seal kit and using some fine wet and dry sand paper to clean out the bore , whilst this was on my trusty old Valiant {who remembers them } the principle is still the same .

[ScottyD]

Thanks, I will pop into a local Motor mech and have him assess and quote.. I don't think that I should not bugger around with the brakes... Stopping is pretty important..heheh.. If it costs a few hundred for the piece of mind.

[Ades]

On the power steering squeal noise, sounds like your fan belt tensioer is on the way out, mounted behind the alternator and about $230 from VW Australia or 100 from the UK. a bit of a bugger to replace too.