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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.

new power steering pump is whining when installed
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.

See also  Best Power Steering Pumps

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.

Clogged Reservoir Screen

clogged reservoir screen
You can’t see this screen unless you draw all the fluid out of the reservoir. Most people, even experienced mechanics, don’t know the screen is even there. If this screen is clogged, simply replacing the power steering pump won’t fix anything. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian

How to Resolve Power Steering Whine

For a quick tutorial on how to use vacuum to remove the air from a whining power steering system, watch this video:

Sometimes the power steering pump will begin to whine even if it hasn’t been low on fluid and nothing is wrong with the pump, so start with the special bleed method demonstrated in the 3-minute video, which is a variation of a procedure outlined in GM TSB 08-02-32-004B. The TSB calls for manually pumping vacuum into the sealed cap. The video shows you how to do it with engine vacuum and a capture container.

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.

Here’s another way to resolve the issue:

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.

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

Check for a Clogged Reservoir Screen

If the fluid isn’t low, remove the fluid and check the screen. If it’s clogged, remove and clean the reservoir before you do anything else.

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 (Using the Vacuum Method)

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.

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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.

See also  Symptoms of a Bad Power Steering Pump

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.

Invest in a Brand-New Power Steering Pump Today

Because it’s specifically responsible for transmitting power to the steering wheel, the power steering pump plays an important role in helping you control your vehicle. If it malfunctions, you might experience issues with steering your car and, in some cases, applying the brakes. This puts you at great risk of getting into an accident, so you should avoid driving until you can address the issue. Luckily, getting a brand-new power steering pump is fast and easy with CarParts.com.

Whether you’re looking to splurge or working within a strict budget, you can find the right power steering pump for your vehicle at CarParts.com. We offer high-quality power steering pumps at different price points, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank. If you find a competitor selling one of our products for a cheaper price, let us know and we’ll either match or beat their price on the spot!

Don’t wait until your whining power steering pump affects your ability to control your vehicle before replacing it Check out our catalog of high-quality power steering pumps at CarParts.com and get one for your car today!

About The Authors
Written By 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.

Reviewed By Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Richard McCuistian has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, and a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others. Richard is ASE certified for more than 30 years in 10 categories, including L1 Advanced Engine Performance and Light Vehicle Diesel.

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.

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