Power steering pump noise solved

glenwyatt · Feb 1, 2017

So for at least 2 years now when the weather got cold (<0c) the power steering pump would whine at startup for the first few minutes as it warmed up. I've flushed the system and refilled when the level would drop but never let it get too low. So I obviously have a leak if I'm loosing fluid, that's a known, but I also need to replace valve cover gaskets and I'm in no mood to do that right now. I noticed that while it's whining, the fluid is frothy which indicates to me that air is somehow making its way into the system. I decided to try to tighten up all of the hose clamps on the reservoir (x2) and the one at the pump. Since doing this I've notice that the whining has completely stopped and the temperature outside is <0c. If anyone else is having this problem try tightening these clamps and report back, I'd be interested in your findings.

2006 XC90, V8, 310,000km's

V50R · Feb 1, 2017

Thats a great tip, i will have to check that myself! It is true if there is air in the system it will do that. Now i just wonder why its doing it when its cold. The house perhaps shrinks from the cold and allows the calmp to loosen which probably creates an air passage. Once it gets heat it expands and seals. Good news! Will try and confirm on mine tonight.

denti · Feb 1, 2017

I've been having the same issue and been scratching my head for awhile now. When i get home tonight, i'll tighten the up as well and will let you know tomorrow.

much appreciated for the tip

Tommm · Feb 1, 2017

FYI on my 540i the P.O. sold it to me (was about to trade it in) because the dealer quoted an insane amount to change gaskets. When I showed the car to a friend who was two sheets to the wind he pointed out that fluids don't leak up, therefore the oil on the head didn't come from the head gasket the dealer wanted to replace.

We traced the lines and the power steering reservoir had fluid around the base. I got rid of the expensive german clamp and replaced it with a generic clamp.

denti · Feb 2, 2017

well, looks like i'm losing fluid around the bottom of the reservoir and around the pump. i have those stupid hose clamps as well. going to go change them out this weekend with some proper ones and will be changing the fluid as well as it looks dirty brown

glenwyatt · Feb 2, 2017

V50R said:
Thats a great tip, i will have to check that myself! It is true if there is air in the system it will do that. Now i just wonder why its doing it when its cold. The house perhaps shrinks from the cold and allows the calmp to loosen which probably creates an air passage. Once it gets heat it expands and seals. Good news! Will try and confirm on mine tonight.

My theory as to why air is entering the system is due to the change in temperature going from hot to cold. As the fluid cools it would draw air into the system. That's my theory anyways....

Kyril · Mar 31, 2017

I think I have the same issue but can only see the first line of the OP so not sure what he mentions. Can anyone fill me in?

RedGeminiPA · Aug 12, 2018

Kyril said:
I think I have the same issue but can only see the first line of the OP so not sure what he mentions. Can anyone fill me in?

Sorry for the late reply. Make sure the hose clamps on the reservoir and pump are tight. If it has the pinch clamps, replace those with regular screw-type hose clamps.

slwebsteriii · Nov 16, 2021

Moving old clamps down, replacing with hose clamps, retightening to overcome rubber hose memory, and adding 2 ounces of AT-205 Re-Seal did the trick for me. Not sure if it was retightening hose clamps or adding magic juice but glad to be rid of whine in the morning.

ORBrickDude · Nov 16, 2021

Nice! Glad to see you finally got it figured out!

generic_volvo_driver · Nov 17, 2021

slwebsteriii said:
Moving old clamps down, replacing with hose clamps, retightening to overcome rubber hose memory, and adding 2 ounces of AT-205 Re-Seal did the trick for me. Not sure if it was retightening hose clamps or adding magic juice but glad to be rid of whine in the morning.

I've had great success with AT-205 Re-Seal on my 1988 300ZX Turbo. It takes time for it to penetrate/work, but it restored the playability in a bunch of leaking transmission seals and other rubber parts. I added it to both my engine oil and ATF. I'll probably do the power steering as preventative maint.

Monocog007 · Nov 17, 2021

Mine whines occasionally, but also has stiff steering. I've replaced the pump with a low-mile unit, and replaced the fluid with fresh CHF202, but still groans and is stiff.

Hate to throw the time/money at replacing the rack if that's not the problem, but I can't see what else it would be.

I like the hose clamp idea, would be worthwhile to try at least.

John C · Nov 17, 2021

Monocog007 said:
I can't see what else it would be.

Check your tie rod ends and ball joints.

Monocog007 · Nov 17, 2021

John C said:
Check your tie rod ends and ball joints.

Interesting.. I hadn't necessarily thought about that. I'll check it out, thanks!

Power steering pump noise solved

glenwyatt

V50R

denti

Tommm

denti

glenwyatt

Kyril

RedGeminiPA

slwebsteriii

ORBrickDude

generic_volvo_driver

Monocog007

John C

Monocog007

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