Power steering whine.

[arnold600]

After purchasing my ms6 I noticed when its cold the power steering pump whines like hell. then after it warms up it goes away. after further diagnosis and a few weeks pass, i notice the power steering line return from the cooler to the reservoir has some leaks. I looked everywhere and couldn't find a replacement line besides a dealership part which they wanted $389.00 for. so instead I ordered some ATF compliant hose and will repair the line my way, considering the return line is low pressure. However, besides this leak. My ATF fluid is not aerated. I doubt fixing the leak will fix the whine. Most cars take brand name power steering fluid but on alldata they recommend ATF M-III, M-V, or equivalent (e.g. Dexron® II). Would putting a synthetic fluid help with my cold morning whine? It normally happens when its below 50 degrees. and no, it is not low on fluid.

[Orangatang]

I generally like to use whatever the manufacture has suggested to use. If you haven't already you can try to suck out the as much fluid as possible from the reservoir and fill with fresh fluid. Run the wheel lock to lock a few times and repeat from above until all fluid looks new.

[GroceryGtr]

the whine is caused by cavitation(air being sucked into the system). The reason it is going away once warm is because the oring/joint is heating up and swelling, sealing the tiny gap from the cold temps. Fairly commong for an oring or loose fitting to start showing symptoms of failure in cold temps.

FYI: The oring between the resevoir and the pump is a very commong failure item for the 6s.

If rockauto didn't have it, you could take your line to a local hydraulic shop and they can usually custom make a replacement for fairly cheap. Otherwise I'd grab a used one.

[shamie]

This is what I use in my MS3;

https://www.amazon.com/Valvoline-Mul.../dp/B00DJ4FMA2

[arnold600]

Originally Posted by GroceryGtr the whine is caused by cavitation(air being sucked into the system). The reason it is going away once warm is because the oring/joint is heating up and swelling, sealing the tiny gap from the cold temps. Fairly commong for an oring or loose fitting to start showing symptoms of failure in cold temps. FYI: The oring between the resevoir and the pump is a very commong failure item for the 6s. If rockauto didn't have it, you could take your line to a local hydraulic shop and they can usually custom make a replacement for fairly cheap. Otherwise I'd grab a used one.

As an update. the new line doesn't leak and works well. However, if that seal was bad. wouldn't it also leak fluid out when not running? I currently have no leaks.

[GroceryGtr]

sometimes not. Air molecules are smaller than fluid molecules. So its not uncommon to have just enough of a seal gap to allow air in, but not fluid out.

[Marv]

Is it still making noise after the fix?

[Aharahel32]

last time i have changed my steering pump.when I opened up the hood and found the power steering pump has been leaking all over the place. First step > https://www.steeringlpsr.com/ where my friend works. They did very good job

But first think, if something was wrong with your car check it !

[arnold600]

UPDATE: I fixed this issue a while ago but never posted. Turns out it was the O-Ring between the pump and reservoir. Seal kit from rockauto. 5$ fix.

[Fstrnyou]

Last time my PS pump had wine, I gave it cheese.