Power steering pump noise is frustrating and embarrassing. Even if everything else is perfect on your car, a noisy power steering pump can make it feel like it’s falling apart. Similarly, even if your vehicle needs some work, a quiet power steering pump allows you to drive without even thinking about your power steering system. If you’ve got a noisy power steering pump it’s important to know what could be causing your problem.
How to Silence Power Steering Pump Noise
- Make sure the rack isn’t clogged
- Make sure the pump is in good condition
- Check the fluid level
- Check the fluid condition
Power steering pump noise always comes from 1 of 2 places, abnormal fluid pressures or a problem with the power steering fluid. The two things that can cause abnormal pressures is a problem with the pump or a clog somewhere in the system. A failing pump will cause low fluid pressures and make it difficult to turn and cause noise while a clog will cause high pressures and noise especially when turning or at higher RPM.
The other thing that can cause power steering pump noise is a problem with the fluid. For example, a low fluid level can allow air to get entrained in the fluid which will cause the power steering pump to be noisy. Similarly, old fluid that has lots of debris in it or has lost some of its ability to lubricate the pump it will be noisy. If your fluid is old and ready to be changed flush the system with BlueDevil Synthetic Power Steering Fluid. BlueDevil Synthetic Power Steering Fluid has superior lubrication properties to keep your power steering pump happy and your system quiet while meeting the standards of all factory power steering fluids.
You can find BlueDevil Synthetic Power Steering Fluid at any of our partnering local auto parts stores like:
- AutoZone
- Advance Auto Parts
- Bennett Auto Supply
- CarQuest Auto Parts
- NAPA Auto Parts
- O’Reilly Auto Parts
- Pep Boys
- Fast Track
- Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts Specialists
- S&E Quick Lube Distributor
- DYK Automotive
- Fisher Auto Parts stores
- Auto Plus Auto Parts stores
- Hovis Auto & Truck Supply stores
- Salvo Auto Parts
- Advantage Auto Stores
- Genuine Auto Parts stores
- Bond Auto Parts stores
- Tidewater Fleet Supply
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- Any Part Auto Parts
- Consumer Auto Parts
Pictures Provided By:
power_steering_pump_noise.jpg – By Phantom1311 – Licensed By Getty Images – Original Link
BlueDevil Products can be found on Amazon.com or at AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, O’Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA, and other major auto parts retailers.
17 responses to "How to Silence Power Steering Pump Noise"
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I just had a new pump put on I’ve drive it 500 miles it’s so load every one looks to see what’s coming . I hat could be the problem ?
Dana-
Is it a whining sound you are hearing? Were you hearing the sound once the pump was replaced, or just after 500 miles of driving? Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a little better understanding of the vehicle’s condition and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
my power steering pump is making whining sound ( almost same intensity while driving stright OR extreme turm left or right. Advise
Robert-
Please check out our blog on “Power Steering Pump Noise.” This should give you the answer you’re looking for.
Thank you!
-BDP
Ok, it is loud. I have this too
A noise like a rattle. 2005 Ford Taurus. Plenty of fluid it’s not too full. Does yours get louder with acceleration? I’m gonna do a Google search and see if anyone has tried an antifriction powder it’s called graphite powder.
I have a newly fitted rack pump and filling bottle on a mo 4 Mondeo It is still making a sort of whining sound low level whilst turning wheel ??? Very confused!? Please give advice. Garage seem to be lost ?
Gary,
Thanks for your question about your Mondeo power steering noise. If your system is full of fluid and you’ve got a new rack and pump then you most likely have air in your system. It could be that the system just needs to have the air bled or it could indicate that air is being pulled into the system somewhere in between the new reservoir and pump. Make sure all your low-pressure hose fittings are tight and that the hoses don’t have any cracks in them. If you still have the noise it’s possible that you got a defective power steering pump.
Thanks again for your question!
-BD Auto Pro
Since I bought my car it’s been almost 3yrs and my car power steering oil has never been changed , could it be the reason of the strange noice ? Please what could be the fault?
Fame-
Yes, old/dirty power steering fluid could be a reason for power steering pump noise. Like any lubricant, power steering fluid can break down over time and lose its antifoaming and lubrication properties. This can cause your power steering pump to be noisy and cause accelerated wear in your system. Replacing the fluid would be a great place to start.
Thank you!
-BDP
My uncle Just changed the power steering pump and hose line on my 1996 Toyota Avalon due large amounts of leaking, but no noise issues after topping off. Upon start up after the replacement, it squeals loudly & the wheel whines when turned in park. Noticed lots of foam in the power steering reservoir, which was full, while the car was running. 2 days of being parked and the car is still squealing loud & sounding worse than before we replaced the pump & hose. The original pump was steel and the new one is aluminum so the fit isn’t as tight. There’s a small leak as well.
The car feels tight, stiff, loud and in pain. What can I do now?
Thanks for your help.
Leslie-
Thank you for asking about your Toyota Avalon. Based on your description, it sounds like you are getting air into the power steering system, creating the foam you are seeing. Is the leaking fluid coming from the loose hose connection or is it hard to tell? Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a little better understanding of the vehicle’s condition and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
hi i have a problem with my Mazda 3 2004 1.6 petrol there is a sound coming from power steering pump pulley can i how can i change a bearing on pulley
Edward,
Thanks for your question about your 2004 Mazda 3. Unfortunately, the power steering pump on your car isn’t rebuildable without special tools so your only option most likely is to simply replace the entire pump. Many times remanufactured pumps can be purchased and can work just as well as a new pump and save you some money.
Thanks again for your question!
-BD Auto Pro
I have a2008 Ford Explorer and when I drive at high speeds the noise occurs at the slightest movement of the steering wheel. Or when temp is hot in the engine it seems as if that triggers the noisy whining. What type of problem does it sounds like to you?
Chandra,
Thanks for your question about your Ford Explorer. If your truck only makes the noise at high speeds or high engine RPMs, then our guess would be that you’ve got either old power steering fluid that breaks down at high temperatures and pressures, or you’ve got a clog somewhere in your power steering system that is raising pressures at high engine RPM. You can try flushing your system to try and remove the clog and add new power steering fluid to see if that quiets things down.
Thanks again for your question!
-BD Auto Pro
How do you then flush the piwer steering
Joe-
Please check out our blog on performing a power steering flush, found here on our website: https://gobdp.com/blog/perform-power-steering-flush/. This should give you all the information you’re looking for.
Thank you!
-BDP