New member - first of two posts - any help anyone can offer with this problem would be much appreciated.
When I reverse out of a parking place – to the left or right - and then turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction and start to move forwards, I hear a single 'grunt' noise (I can't think of a better way to describe it). This only seems to happen after the car has been standing for a period of time, i.e. if I hear the noise, re-park the car and then reverse out again straight away, I don't hear it again. Could there be a bearing (or something) that is 'sticking' but once freed-off, is ok until the next time the car has been standing for a period of time? If I start the engine and with the car stationary just turn the steering wheel from central to right lock, then to left lock and back to central again I don't hear the noise - but then when I move off as described above, I hear it.
The car seems to steer and drive perfectly well otherwise. The power steering fluid is at the maximum mark and I've not needed to top it up since I've had the car (bought it 3 months ago). It's a 1.8 LX, 53 reg, 39,000 miles and has a 3-month old MOT.