Getting a new power steering pump should signify better and quieter wheel steering. But then again, what are the things you would do if this isn’t so? If still your power steering pump making whining noise after replacement, there could be a problem.
A power steering system helps a driver steer a vehicle through hydraulic or electronic pressure. Resolving any issues, particularly strange sounds, is crucial to avoid causing additional damage to your car.
This blog will assist you in identifying the cause of that persistent whining noise. Also, it points out potential mistakes one could make during a pump replacement and even provides solutions. The basic premise is whether you own a car and plan to fix it yourself or are an amateur car mechanic working on minor car problems. By the time you finish, you will be equipped with enough knowledge to fix the issue and possibly even prevent it in the future.
Table of Contents
- What does the power steering pump do, and why might you replace it?
- Symptoms That Your Trucks’ Power Steering Pump Is Failing
- Replacing a Power Steering Pump
- Step-by-Step Guide
- Why Does My New Power Steering Pump Make Such a Whining Noise?
- Curing Your Car’s Whining Sound: Fixing Power Steering Pump Whining Noise After Replacement
- How to avoid noise?
- Conclusion
What does the power steering pump do, and why might you replace it?
A power steering system should make it easy for the driver to maneuver the car through each turn they make. But what happens when your power steering pump making whining noise after replacement? You’re left with anger and, of course, more questions. May be there is a problem with the installation? Is it possible that the pump is at fault? The good news is you aren’t the only one experiencing this, and a majority of these problems can be fixed with a little tweaking.
This guide deepens into the power steering pump work, the signs that suggest you need power steering repair, and how to solve that squeaking noise or whining. Regardless of your level of experience in car maintenance, whether you are a do it yourself mechanic, car owner who does not want to spend his dollars, or a professional car mechanic, this article will teach you how to eliminate the power steering noise for excellent.
Symptoms That Your Trucks’ Power Steering Pump Is Failing
To avoid power steering pump making whining noise after replacement, you should consider following steps before replacement. These include:
- Firm Pillar – Difficulty in turning the wheel to move the car.
- Power steering fluid that leaks and can be easily seen under your car.
- Rotten Egg Odour – This is an indication of burnt or even boil in the power steering fluid.
- The last one is a whining or groaning coming from the power steering system whenever you change the direction of your car.
Proper diagnostic of a failing power steering pump allows the replacement process to address the cause of the issue.
Replacing a Power Steering Pump
Replacing a power steering pump is not a very complicated process but it is delicate. Below is a step-by-step summary of best practices:
- New power steering pump
- Wrenches and sockets
- Power steering pulley puller
- New power steering fluid
- Drain pan
- Safety gloves and glasses
Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare Your Workspace
Dip It on flat ground where it will be easy to park without engaging the engine. Regackle the power steering system by placing a pan under the system in order to catch the fluid.
Unexpected shut down and Bleeding of the System
Emergency steering system including removing the serpentine belt and disconnecting the steering pump and hoses then letting the system flush out.
Remove the Old Pump
Carefully, the old pump should be pulled out using the pulley puller. However, now in modern embodiments of this invention, it is desirable to retain mounting brackets and hardware.
Install the New Pump
Replace the pump damaged with a new one and tighten all connections of the replacement pump. Replace hoses, clamps, and the serpentine belt.
Refill and Bleed the System
The reservoir should be thereafter filled with the recommended power steering fluid. Twist the wheel clockwise and anticlockwise to get rid of trapped air.
Inspect for Leaks
This one requires that you look for any signs of leakage or ensure the car’s steering wheel turns properly before driving.
Replacing the pump should suffice for most problems, however at other times another problem rears its head-the infamous whining sound.
Why Does My New Power Steering Pump Make Such a Whining Noise?
A whining noise from your new pump is just annoying – not to mention alarming, because it portends trouble. The sound typically points to one of these causes:
Air Trapped in the System
Inadequate bleeding results in the formation of air pockets; the sound made when the fluid flows is whining. It may also cause inadequate lubrication and noise if the correct fluid type or inadequate amount is used.
Faulty or Misaligned Belt
One reason is that the serpentine belt may be damaged or misaligned, which will affect the resulting functionality of the system.
Defective Replacement Pump
Albeit rare, it is possible to get a defective pump if you purchased it from a wrong contractor.
Contaminated or Dirty System
Generating nibs may be left behind in the pipeline from the old pump or the fluid pumped through it, which, in turn, will damage the new pump.
Curing Your Car’s Whining Sound: Fixing Power Steering Pump Whining Noise After Replacement
In fact, learning how to ‘turn the noise off’ doesn’t necessarily have to be an elaborate affair. Here’s a simple troubleshooting checklist:
1. Check and Top Off Fluid
Check up the level of the fluid in the reservoir. If it’s low add the manufacturer recommended fluid to the prescribed level of your engine oil.
2. Bleed the System Again
Air bubbles might still be present Nevertheless. Lift the front wheels of your car, start the engine, then slowly turn the steering wheel to the left and right as far as you can, around five times. Check once or twice more to determine whether the bubbles are still coming through or not if yes then repeat the process.
3. Inspect Belts and Pulleys
Inspection of whether the serpentine belt has worn out, develop cracks or is not tightly stretched. Make sure that the pulley is positioned upright and that sits perfectly.
4. Flush and Refill
If contamination of the fluid is thought to have occurred the system must be flushed and the fluid replaced by a clean one. They recommend using the power steering fluid of a high quality that meets the manufacturer’s requirement.
5. Verify Installation
There is always second chance to ensure that all bolt heads are tightened, all hoses and seals are installed and are correctly positioned. Make sure that the pump is well fixed on the base.
6. Assess the Replacement Part
In the worst-case scenario, try starting the new pump with a mechanic, to rule out that the pump is bad.
By following these steps, the noise problem is probably going to be solved, and your power steering should work smoothly, and without much noise.
How to avoid noise?
Stop the problem before it starts by following these preventative tips:
Flushing – ensure correct level of fluids being supplied from time to time.
Modern motor vehicle engines being very sensitive require quality replacement parts only which can be gotten from quality dealers.
System Flushing – It is important that you flush your power steering fluid every 5050M or as preferably instructed.
Take note of your car – If you thought your power steering failed because it was loud, it’s a good indication to have it checked right away.
This way, you will avoid always incurring the expensively needed car repairs while having a much better driving experience.
Must Read: Scraping Noise When Braking At Low Speed
Conclusion
Replacing a power steering pump doesn’t have to be frustrating. Understanding the causes of a power steering pump making whining noise after replacement and knowing the solutions can save you time, money, and stress. It does not have to be frustrating to replace a power steering pump. It helps you to make appropriate decisions on your vehicle’s maintenance, as you learn some of the most frequent sources of noise and their resolution.
Has anyone out there received some advice or a guide on how to troubleshoot or silence power steering? You are welcome to contribute to the discussion in the section of comments below. For further information for automobile repair tutorials, subscribe to our newsletter right now.
