Power steering whine on cold start

[beater986]

Hi folks,

I'm getting a classic power steering whine when the engine is cold (increases in intensity with wheels turning). It goes away after the engine warms up.

Is there a common point of failure/leak in the system? or is this pretty much a power steering pump on its way out? How bad is the power steering pump job?

Thanks!

[blue62]

Originally Posted by beater986

Hi folks,

I'm getting a classic power steering whine when the engine is cold (increases in intensity with wheels turning). It goes away after the engine warms up.

Is there a common point of failure/leak in the system? or is this pretty much a power steering pump on its way out? How bad is the power steering pump job?

Thanks!

Have you checked the fluid level???

[Racer Boy]

Check the level as blue62 says. If it is low, you need to find where the fluid is going. On my '02, the steering rack blew out a seal and it made the noises you described. In my case, it leaked the fluid out very rapidly. If it's been making the noise for a while, it may just need a seal replaced.

I replaced the rack (not a fun job) and it solved the problem. I had also bought a junkyard pump in case the pump had been damaged, but I was fortunate that it was fine. If you need the pump and the seals for the lines, let me know.