Power steering

Had a whining noise from the pump..put new pump on put fluid in and still no power steering..but no more whining noise from the pump.

My car has 180000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello, the whining noise the old pump had is aeration usually from low fluid level that will damage the pump, that means there is a leak of fluid. This system is a closed type system no leaks allowed. First check the condition of the hoses, should be clean, dry and no visible cracks. You need to check the output of the new pump, if that’s good. Next step would be an issue with the steering rack itself. If you’d like, a certified Your Mechanic Technician can come to your location and check the pump and steering assembly. Please look at this web site for more information and service options. power steering

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Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

Prestone – MAX Power Steering Fluid: American Vehicles, With Stop Leak, Enhances System Life, 100k miles, 12 oz (Part No. AS277)
The power steering fluid reservior is right on the pump which is located with the rest of the accessories near the bottom of the car and twards the rear. The reservoir is deep down and very hard to reach and if you plan on adding fluid I would recommend getting a funnel with a long hose.
Buick introduced power steering in 1952. Many `52 Roadmasters came with power steering, but the Buick literature also references this option as being available on `52 Super models.
The power steering reservoir is under the hood on the passenger`s side beneath the alternator. If your steering wheel isn`t turning properly or squeaks when moving, you know it`s time to change your Buick Enclave`s power steering fluid.
Valvoline DEXRON-VI/MERCON LV ATF is a full-synthetic transmission fluid formulated with advanced additive technology to meet and exceed the requirements of the General Motors DEXRON-VI specification.
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is the same fluid used inside the automatic transmission. ATF can also be used in some power steering systems. Some ATF types include Dexron and Mercon. Synthetic power steering fluid is a non-oil-based fluid that`s created in a lab.
The vehicle has electric power steering. It does not have power steering fluid. Regular maintenance is not required.
The first power-steering system fitted to a production car debuted in the 1951 Chrysler Imperial, and the competition quickly followed suit.
As early as 1953, there were already 1 million cars using power steering. This time, the public took an immediate liking of power steering, and driving would never be the same. By 1956, a quarter of all cars in America had power steering. And, by 1960, that amount would increase to more than 3.5 million.
Electric Power Steering System

The motor, which is separate from the vehicle engine, is installed on the steering rack or steering column. An electric power steering system is often the preferred system because of its efficient fuel economy and lower emissions.

Power Steering Fluid versus ATF: Is power steering fluid exactly the same as transmission fluid? No, but they`re the same type of fluid. They`re both hydraulic fluids. Physically, ATF is red-colored that has a sweet smell to it.
OEM Power Steering Fluid for North American vehicles is a high-quality mineral oil base formula developed to help protect modern power steering systems against pump breakdown and squeals caused by wear, oxidation, and foaming.
Some drivers mistakenly add ATF to the brake system like they might the power steering. This is a definite no-no! ATF will eat away at the seals of the master cylinder and other system components, cause leaks, and destroy your brake system.
Yes, ATF+4® is the correct fluid to use for your transmission and power steering.
The high viscosity index and low pour point makes this product ideal for use in hydraulic systems, power steering and torque convertors.
If you use the wrong kind of power steering fluid, you could risk messing with your car`s steering system and destroying the pump, costing you hundreds of dollars and presenting a possible road hazard until the problem is fixed. For this reason, it`s best to go with the proper GM power steering fluid.
The most universal [common] power steering fluid is ATF.” Your power steering fluid type matters, but it isn`t difficult to find. You can purchase power steering fluid at any auto parts store, although you don`t need to replace it often. Consult your owner`s manual if you plan to buy it yourself.
Power steering pumps will whine or grind when turning if they are failing. You may also notice tight steering response or slow response when you turn the wheel. If you notice these things in combination, that is a good indication that your power steering pump is about to fail.
PS Fluid reservoir is on the passengers` side, just in front and below the alternator towards the firewall . It is difficult to find without a flashlight since it`s a black screw on cap. You will have to reach just below and in front of the the alternator to get to it.
Although this can be tricky to diagnose, it`s usually caused by loose seals or bad O-rings that allow air to leak into the system. But the most common reason for a loss of power steering is a fluid leak.
If there is a low amount of fluid present, air will start to circulate through the steering mechanism and make strange sounds when you turn the steering wheel. To prevent this, simply top up your fluid reservoir with power steering fluid. The noises should start to go away if there are no leaks.
The most universal [common] power steering fluid is ATF.” Your power steering fluid type matters, but it isn`t difficult to find. You can purchase power steering fluid at any auto parts store, although you don`t need to replace it often. Consult your owner`s manual if you plan to buy it yourself.
Buick is owned by General Motors (GM). General Motors also owns GMC, Cadillac, and Chevrolet. Buick is a renowned automaker with a legendary history that goes back over 100 years.
PS Fluid reservoir is on the passengers` side, just in front and below the alternator towards the firewall . It is difficult to find without a flashlight since it`s a black screw on cap. You will have to reach just below and in front of the the alternator to get to it.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

power steering fluid is leaking
ANSWER : With a power steering fluid leak that big, you certainly should have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible to find the exact cause. Any of the components you listed can be the source of the leak. The power steering pump as well as the rack & pinion steering unit rely on the fluid for lubrication as well as cooling. The whining you hear is from the pump when the fluid runs low or empty. Your issue can be caused by something as simple as a fluid hose right now, but continued ’running dry" of the power steering fluid, can result in damage to both the pump and the rack & pinion unit. If that happens, you can take what may be a repair of a few hundred dollars and turn it into a repair of a couple of thousand dollars.

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I had a warning message in my 2013 Ford Fusion that the power steering assist failed. I have power steering capability now. Is it safe to drive?
ANSWER : Some 2013 Ford Fusion models are part of a safety recall involving loss of steering assist. Contact your dealer with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or check your VIN number on safercar.gov to verify if this recall applies to your vehicle. Loss of steering assist can be dangerous if you are caught off guard. It would be best to not drive the vehicle. Contact your dealer to have it towed to their location.

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had power steering pump replaced but power steering fluid is leaking
ANSWER : This suggests that you may have a leak somewhere else in your power steering system such as one of the hoses or the rack and pinion system. As you may know, the power steering system is a highly pressurized system that can have as much as 300+psi of pressure in the system at times, so it is not uncommon for these types of leaks to happen. If you’d like to get this fixed, I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose the leak in your power steering system and make the the necessary repairs to fix it.

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Very loud pop when turning sharp left leaking transmission or power steering fluid where steering column meet rack
ANSWER : Hi there. If everything else has already been installed from the donor vehicle then it sounds like the high pressure hose is all that you need to install. The hardest part of doing this is the routing. One thing you may also want to double check is that the donor vehicle and your 2003 Escape have the same rack. There are different models depending on the model and the size of your wheels. You need to install the pressure line first, but if it does not line up then you may have the wrong rack installed. If you would like some assistance installing this hose, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to you to [replace your high pressure steering hose] https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/power-steering-pressure-hose-replacement

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Major Leak of power steering fluid
ANSWER : Hello…it sounds like you have a loose or faulty hose connection. Of course, it is also possible that a coincidental leak developed, for instance in a rusted steel tube on the return side, at the same time that you were doing this repair. A YourMechanic specialist could diagnosis this for you and assist you with the repair of your power steering and inspect your vehicle for leaks.

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Power steering went out completely
ANSWER : Hi there. You might have a blown high pressure hose from the pump to the steering rack. The fluid is getting onto the exhaust system and may pose a fire hazard. I recommend you do not drive the vehicle, for safety reasons, until you have the leak fixed. I recommend you have a mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, inspect your power steering system’s leak to make sure what the cause of the failure is.

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Chrysler 3.8 L. T&C power steering rack and pump replacement.
ANSWER : As you may know, the power steering rack pumps power steering fluid through a series of small reed valves that help to produce hydraulic pressure as the system is pressurized by the pump. This is what allows the power steering system to assist you in steering your car. When either the pump or the rack is not working properly, one or the other can sometimes over compensate for the other to a certain degree, but will eventually be overworked and fail. It sounds like this may have been the case in your situation. I would suggest having a second opinion on the previous mechanic’s work. If you’d like a professional from YourMechanic can come to your home or place of business to properly diagnose and repair your power steering system.

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power steering problem.
ANSWER : Hello. Noise could be a sign of trapped air, low fluid level, or a mechanical fault in the pump. While the system is cold, check the fluid level. If the fluid level is OK, remove the cap and turn the steering wheel left and right to full extent while it is on. If there is air in the system, that will help purge it. Replace the cap. If the noise remains, it needs to be determined if it is coming from the pump or another accessory, pulley, or belt. YourMechanic has experts in this type of power steering diagnosis and once the fault is found, they will let you know of the cost to repair.

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