Kearny German Auto Repair

A steady whine when you turn the wheel can make every parking lot feel stressful. Power steering whine is common, and it often gets louder as the wheel approaches full lock. While the sound may come and go, it typically indicates a simple issue that requires attention, such as a fluid level or pump condition. Here is how to make sense of it and what to check first. What That Whining Noise Usually Means Most power steering systems use a belt-driven pump that circulates hydraulic fluid through a rack or steering gear. A high-pitched whine often means the pump is working harder than it should, usually because it is pulling in air or pushing fluid through a restriction. Air bubbles, low fluid, or a worn pump can all create that turbine-like sound that rises with engine speed or steering effort. Low or Aerated Power Steering Fluid Low fluid is the number one cause. When the reservoir drops below the pickup, the pump ingests air. Aerated fluid looks foam ... read more