New OEM Power steering pump -- still whines

[dommmmyg]

Hi everyone,

I've done a fair amount of research on the power steering pump whine issue and am curious if anyone can help point me in the right direction for my particular situation.

I followed the DIYs -- flush the fluid until clean with new ATF, pull the reservoir off and clean the screen, neither solved the issue.

I thought ok, I might as well replace the pump. At 260k miles maybe the original unit has had enough. So I just installed a brand new OEM pump and the whine persists. I made sure to flush the system again before installation so the new pump had fresh fluid, and the level is correct and consistent for both cold and hot ranges. The noise is clearly the PS pump as the groaning noise intensifies as you turn the wheel left to right.

I haven't come across anyone else that's had the issue after a pump replacement, so I'm curious what would the next steps be? I'm using Valvoline MERCON V fluid (Dextron III compatible) maybe try a different ATF? If I remember others have suggested a rack replacement but I don't see how that would be necessary unless there are orifices of some kind that are blocked in the rack/lines. Seems unlikely.

Please let me know what you guys think, thanks!

 

[6uam671_T4R]

Try to bleed the pump. Cycle the steering wheel full left and full right several times. I had the same issue and did that which resolved the groaning.

Hopefully that helps with your situation.

 

[wcjeep]

We had a 2001 Ford Windstar with a whine from the Power steering. The dip stick level indicator was wrong. Only figured this out after throwing parts at it. It became quiet when slightly over filled.

 

[RS Dude]

I suggest you try a different fluid. Ironically, I had the same problem after 320k miles of using only clear P/S (like Prestone) and then switching to ATF on original P/S pump. When I switched back to P/S fluid, the groaning went away...go figure!:faint:

 

[MaineRunna]

Is the fluid foamy at all? If air is entering the system somewhere it will whine like that.

 

[LittleCaesar]

You can try and bleed the system, run the engine for about five minutes, then shut it off for 20 to 30 minutes. Then come back and top off if need be, then drive it. Check it again for bubbles.

Also try releasing the tension on the drive belt every so slightly. If it increases in noise, tighten it. May need a new belt, had the same problem on a 97 Camry.

I have used Maxlife ATF in all Toyotas with great results.

 

[dommmmyg]

Thanks for all the responses, guys! I finally had some time to dig into it a bit more yesterday.

I 'bled' the system again, checked the fluid for any foam, and verified the level was ok without any improvement to the noise.

But to be honest, after some thinking I don't believe the issue is the PS pump after-all. I theorized it was pump because the groaning noise is highly influenced by the steering but after putting my ear around the engine bay, the groan is loudest on the underside of the vehicle. I noticed the frequency of the sound is also influenced by the gear position, which leads me to believe it's a transmission issue. I've seen others conflate the two in the past and I believe I did the same.

Anyway, I did a full flush of the transmission 6k miles ago and ensured the fluid level was correct.. I guess it's time to dig into a manual swap.

 

[Bad Luck]

Thanks for all the responses, guys! I finally had some time to dig into it a bit more yesterday.

I 'bled' the system again, checked the fluid for any foam, and verified the level was ok without any improvement to the noise.

But to be honest, after some thinking I don't believe the issue is the PS pump after-all. I theorized it was pump because the groaning noise is highly influenced by the steering but after putting my ear around the engine bay, the groan is loudest on the underside of the vehicle. I noticed the frequency of the sound is also influenced by the gear position, which leads me to believe it's a transmission issue. I've seen others conflate the two in the past and I believe I did the same.

Anyway, I did a full flush of the transmission 6k miles ago and ensured the fluid level was correct.. I guess it's time to dig into a manual swap.

I would temporarily take the serpentine belts off and see if the noise is still there. That should help verify that it's not the power steering pump or alternator

 

[dommmmyg]

I would temporarily take the serpentine belts off and see if the noise is still there. That should help verify that it's not the power steering pump or alternator

good idea!