I noticed a higher-pitched whining sound like I've heard in other vehicles when a pump was straining as I turned left the other day. It went away but I figured it would be back. Heard it again yesterday but only for a few seconds.

Today, it started happening when driving in a straight line.

Power steering pump? Hyd. fluid level seems fine. The engine oil level is down one bar on startup but this is a new development. Liqui Moli inbound.

Calling the mech Monday.

TC

 

My engine oil is down 2 bars. Better to be down a bit than too high. What do you mean 'it started happening when driving in a straight line'? Like all the time happening now? Continuous? Doesn't take much diy to change the hydraulic steering fluid. Don't go adding stuff to your oil.. What is the mileage of the car?

 

Doesn't read like a power steering pump. The word I get is they get noisy when they get low on fluid but you say the fluid level is ok.

Without more diagnostics can only offer a guess but the symptoms are more like a failing water pump.

With the engine off and cold check the serpentine belt for a sharp edge. If you find one, that's a sign the belt is rubbing and it rubs because it is mistracking and it is mistracking because an accessory drive has some play and the water pump is the accessory drive that most often fails.

If you can get under the car safely check for anti-freeze residue at the pump.

 

Disregard all. It's a vent fan. I began to think about what could cause a noise like that from the FRONT of the cockpit/car. Started playing with the fan speed and A/C.

Mystery solved. Problem NOT solved.

Thanks for the input guys!

Tim C.

 

I have a PS Pump for sale if you need it.