Power Steering Whine, only when in gear

[b5a4erik]

Halo,

My power steering lets out a high pitch whine, but only when it's in gear.

I recently replaced the line about 3 months ago, seems to be getting worse.

I also drove w/o power steering for probably too long (maybe 20 miles), before replacing that line.

Any thoughts?

~ ea

[osugsxr]

Check fluid level

[AudiB5owner]

Can be a few things. Put the car in neutral and turn the wheel all the way to one side. Apply some thorttle and see if it makes the whining. The pump may be going out. You can also use a mechanic stethiscope to listen to the pump. Are there bubbles in the res? Like ^ said, is the fluid low?

[b5a4erik]

Can be a few things. Put the car in neutral and turn the wheel all the way to one side. Apply some thorttle and see if it makes the whining. The pump may be going out. You can also use a mechanic stethiscope to listen to the pump. Are there bubbles in the res? Like ^ said, is the fluid low?

Fluids good Just did the test, certainly whined when applying throttle / turning wheel. Pump?

[b5a4erik]

**

[ben2401]

I used to run chf11s in my power steering pump and it began to make this noise, gradually got worse over a couple months. At first I thought my transmission was whining but it becomes obvious. At first I changed out the reservoir fluid a couple of times with fresh 11s. Didn't make a difference, obviously it had already worn to the point of making noise. I changed that out with Pennzoil Full Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF and it is silent now. No leaks. I would never recommend regular ATF as these pumps work best with a fairly thin synthetic fluid. I think the anti-wear additives in syn atf are a lot better and more modern. CHF11S is a great fluid for extreme cold but it doesn't seem to protect the pumps that well at high mileages.

[ricekikr]

Only in gear? One specific gear or all? One specific gear could be the gear itself. Whines, specially under load, right before it loses all its teeth.

Could also be the mounts.

[b5a4erik]

Thanks for the replies guys,

So ben2401, you're saying use different Tranny Fluid or Power Steering Fluid?

ricekikr: Seems to be every gear. Only whines when the wheel is turned, gets higher pitch/louder with speed. Also subtly moans when out of gear.

& The tranny mounts?

[SN95Audi87]

Mine whines for the first 5-10 minutes after a cold start driving, when the car is up to temperature its completely quiet. I do have a very small leak. I think my hoses are porous and possible original.

[b5a4erik]

Power steering pump that is low on fluid cause it to whine. What happens that power steering system develops a leak in the steering gear or rack rather than in the pump, while searching for a leak that would be the best place to start looking. Once you find the place next step is to stop the leak. Driving during leakage is very hazardous. As you have mentioned that you have replaced the line 3 months back, you must visit the concerned mechanical shop and tell them the issue , they will certainly repair it. Still if the problem is not rectified you can visit here https://www.yourmechanic.com/cars/audi.

Fluid level is okay will monitor it though... thanks for the reply.

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Mine whines for the first 5-10 minutes after a cold start driving, when the car is up to temperature its completely quiet. I do have a very small leak. I think my hoses are porous and possible original.

Gotcha.

Any more word on if my pump is going / bad?

[SN95Audi87]

Fluid level is okay will monitor it though... thanks for the reply.

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Gotcha.

Any more word on if my pump is going / bad?

I doubt its going bad just noisey enough to notice. I believe if it was bad it would whine all the time really loud but it goes away. A fluid swap and some new hoses should remedy the problem.

[b5a4erik]

I doubt its going bad just noisey enough to notice. I believe if it was bad it would whine all the time really loud but it goes away. A fluid swap and some new hoses should remedy the problem.

Ight. Yeah something worth noting is that it's not there when I just start the car, and gets worse the more/harder I drive it.

Further insight?

[SN95Audi87]

Ight. Yeah something worth noting is that it's not there when I just start the car, and gets worse the more/harder I drive it.

Further insight?

Start small and work you way up! Fluid swap, check for leaks, replace hoses if necessary. If its still whine try a fluid that can't quiet it down like others mention. If all else fails find a new one or low mileage junkyard one...

[b5a4erik]

Start small and work you way up! Fluid swap, check for leaks, replace hoses if necessary. If its still whine try a fluid that can't quiet it down like others mention. If all else fails find a new one or low mileage junkyard one...

Word.

[Pelican Parts]

If you do find out it's the pump that needs replacing, we have some options here as well: http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/..._pg1.htm#item2. I'm dealing with a whine from mine right now after replacing a line and I'm hoping I wont need a pump too. Good luck.

[b5a4erik]

If you do find out it's the pump that needs replacing, we have some options here as well: http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/..._pg1.htm#item2. I'm dealing with a whine from mine right now after replacing a line and I'm hoping I wont need a pump too. Good luck.

Yo! An honor to get a reply from you guys, I believe I used your DIY on a Turbo Replacement a while back, seriously helped me out! Considered a reliable source to me since then, props.

Thanks for the link, and good luck with your car as well!

[Pelican Parts]

Yo! An honor to get a reply from you guys, I believe I used your DIY on a Turbo Replacement a while back, seriously helped me out! Considered a reliable source to me since then, props.

Thanks for the link, and good luck with your car!

That's great. Very happy to hear that our articles have been useful to you. If you ever need anything please don't hesitate to give me a shout on here. Hope you get this figured out as well. Cheers!

[AudiB5owner]

Use a mechanic stethoscope or a really long screwdriver to listen to the PS pump, with the wheels turned all the way to one side, while hitting the throttle to raise the RPMs. If you hear a nasty grinding sound the pump can be bad. I had a nightmare with the PS system. Pump blew, messed up steering rack. Then the pump broke again and PS lines started swelling and leaking. A check valve also blew up and caused a mess. All in all it is now sorted out after I stopped using the Meyle pump and went with the Zf pump. Hope you can get it fixed man

[b5a4erik]

Use a mechanic stethoscope or a really long screwdriver to listen to the PS pump, with the wheels turned all the way to one side, while hitting the throttle to raise the RPMs. If you hear a nasty grinding sound the pump can be bad. I had a nightmare with the PS system. Pump blew, messed up steering rack. Then the pump broke again and PS lines started swelling and leaking. A check valve also blew up and caused a mess. All in all it is now sorted out after I stopped using the Meyle pump and went with the Zf pump. Hope you can get it fixed man