Reasons Why Your New Power Steering Pump Is Whining

Written by

CarParts.com Research Team

Automotive and Tech Writers

Updated on November 13th, 2024

Reading Time: 4 minutes
Summary
  • Cavitation is one of the most common reasons why your new power steering pump could be whining.
  • Topping up on power steering fluid, replacing the steering pump, and bleeding the power steering system are some ways to resolve power steering whine.
  • In case you fail to keep up with your power steering system’s maintenance tasks, you can still take your vehicle to the nearest auto repair shop to get a proper inspection.

Power steering pump replacement is a common repair job done in many vehicles. In most cases, this is done when turning the steering wheel gets more and more difficult.

Most drivers will be able to resume their driving duties after replacing the pump, but there are others who get stuck with a whining noise right after.

Why Is My Brand New Power Steering Pump Whining?

A number of reasons can cause a steering pump to whine even when the unit is brand new. Here are some of the most common ones.

A number of reasons can cause a steering pump to whine even when the unit is brand new.

Cavitation

Cavitation is one of the most common reasons why your new power steering pump could be whining.

Cavitation is a phenomenon that occurs within pumping systems. In the case of a power steering pump, this happens when air bubbles get mixed with power steering fluid. When these air bubbles come into contact with the propeller, they produce a whining noise.

In most cases, a leaking low pressure return line fitting or a damaged return line hose can cause air to enter the pump and get mixed with the power steering fluid.

Cavitation Basics

Pressure variations in a system can result in cavitation. These can help form vapor bubbles and cause the bubbles to implode as well.

Cavitation bubbles collapse and produce shock waves, which can cause certain components to wear out faster than their intended service life. Generally, prolonged cavitation can damage the impeller and its surrounding parts.

Cavitation is characterized by the following symptoms:

  • Noise
  • Vibration
  • Seal or bearing failure
  • Impeller erosion
  • Excessive power consumption

Worn-Out Power Steering Pump

Generally, a power steering pump will wear out due to age. Over time, the seals and bearings that make up the pump won’t be as efficient as they were before, affecting the pump’s overall performance.

Worn-out seals and bearings will eventually cause fluid to leak from the system, causing the power steering pump to work harder. A clogged filter can also cause the pump to fail.

Low Power Steering Fluid Levels

Insufficient power steering fluid levels can cause the entire system to work harder and fail prematurely.

Leaks in the system usually begin with a worn-out seal, but other factors can lead to the same problem. A cracked, perished, or loose power steering fluid hose as well as an overfilled reservoir can also cause leaks in the power steering system.

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How to Resolve Power Steering Whine

There are several ways you can resolve power steering whine. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all of the methods you’ll find are DIY-friendly. Some require professional assistance.

If you know how to work your way around the intricacies of the power steering system, then resolving a whining power steering pump shouldn’t be a problem. However, if you’re relatively new to DIY repair, you might want to have trained mechanics handle the job for you. They’ll ensure that all steps and protocols are followed correctly.

Top Up on Power Steering Fluid

It’s possible for power steering fluid levels to drop even when there’s no leak. Specified intervals on when to top up on power steering fluid can vary, depending on your vehicle’s year, make, and model.

There are also some experts who recommend accomplishing this task twice a year.

Replace the Power Steering Pump

A faulty power steering pump might be to blame when whining noises are still present even when you’ve got a reservoir that’s filled to the brim.

Bleed the Power Steering System

It’s necessary to bleed the entire power steering system every time you’ve gotten some work done, whether it’s a simple hose replacement or a new pump installation.

Bleeding the system ensures that no air will get trapped inside. In most vehicles, this process is quite simple. Usually, turning the steering wheel lock to lock should get rid of any air bubbles in the system.

Replace Other Components

Leaky parts like the power steering hose, fluid cooler, or even the rack and pinion might need to be replaced to resolve power steering whine.

How to Prevent Power Steering Pump Failure

Maintenance is key when it comes to making the most out of your vehicle. As a car owner, it’s important to understand that your vehicle has needs and you need to ensure that every system is well taken care of.

For the power steering system, here are some of the tasks you might want to track.

Regularly Check Fluid Levels

Most experts recommend checking your power steering fluid levels at least once a month. Doing so can help you identify leaks early and fix them before they get worse.

The location of the steering fluid reservoir can vary from one vehicle to another, but if you have your owner’s manual, it shouldn’t be hard to find.

The reservoir on most vehicles will have a dipstick that has an indicator or fill line. When checking power steering fluid levels, also keep in mind that the fluid should be hot to get an accurate reading.

Be sure to turn on the engine and turn your wheels from side to side several times. This should heat up the fluid after a few minutes.

Replace the Power Steering Filter Annually

Power steering fluid passes through a filter that traps metal shavings and other contaminants to help keep the system clean.

If the filter isn’t replaced regularly, the power steering fluid is bound to accumulate debris. A clogged filter will also cause the power steering pump to work harder than usual, which can shorten its service life.

Inspect the System for Damages

In case you fail to keep up with your power steering system’s maintenance tasks, you can still take your vehicle to the nearest auto repair shop to get a proper inspection.

You can expect to see some damage if you haven’t kept up with the system’s needs for a long time, so you might need to replace a couple of parts to restore its performance.

Written By CarParts.com Research Team

Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.