Power steering whine

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Oct 13, 2017 | 01:38 PM

croaker

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 2,369

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From: Centerville Louisiana

Power steering whine

My pump is whining like its low on fluid. It's not low and not that old. What else should I check?

Oct 13, 2017 | 02:26 PM

MelWff

Race Director

Joined: May 2006

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a brand new pump can whine if it is defective, why do you think it is anything other than a failing pump?

Oct 13, 2017 | 02:37 PM

71VetteLover

Pro

Joined: Sep 2017

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From: Modesto California

Quote:

Originally Posted by croaker

My pump is whining like its low on fluid. It's not low and not that old. What else should I check?

Any vane pump will whine if a anti-foaming oil isn't used. When air gets mixed into the oil the pump vanes will cavitate which makes noise so you must use an oil designated for power steering pump use. I have always used ordinary ATF because I always have it in my stock.

Oct 13, 2017 | 02:54 PM

Haggisbash

Melting Slicks

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 2,156

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From: Dunedin NZ.

I had a noise at one time that sounded like the PS pump but turned out to be the alternator.

Oct 13, 2017 | 06:35 PM

sunflower 1972

Melting Slicks

Joined: Sep 2016

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From: Wauconda IL

Usually a power steering pump will whine when under a load (turning the steering wheel) with the engine running. An alternator whine will usually get louder as the engine rpm's increase. You can use the old rubber hose stethoscope trick to isolate the noise.