Power steering noises

[Carol Anne]

Does anyone know why the power steering on my car makes a whining kind of noise when cold, then becomes mormal when the car warms up?

[Toureman]

No, Don't know what car you are talking about!

[KebabMeister]

It could be the power steering belt or the PAS fluid whilst it's cold. Have you checked the fluid or the tension of the belt?

[stanleyman]

Some hydraulic noise is normal especially when cold as the oil pressure is higher but check that the oil level is correct in case the noise is caused by air in the system.

[Carol Anne]

Thanks folks. It might be the oil, it seems very black and apparently it should be red, (according to chap next door)

[stanleyman]

Yep, should be red, same stuff as used in automatic and some manual boxes. If the wrong oil has been used it needs to be changes asap as it can damage oil seals etc. and will be the wrong viscosity which probably accounts for the noise when cold.

[BillyNoMates]

One way of cleaning the fluid is to dip a small, strong magnet in the fluid reservoir for a while (with the cap on).

Alternatively, you can flush it - take the return pipe off (usually the one connected to the top of the reservoir) and put it into a 2 litre bottle. Ideally have an assistant to run the engine (idle only), and turn the streering lock to lock a few times. Keep the level topped up as you do this. Replace the return pipe and check the level.

[Carol Anne]

Hi Billy, do you mean keeping it topped up with new fluid whist draining out. Wouldn't they just become all mixed together?

[BillyNoMates]

Well yes - you have to keep some fluid in there.

It quickly becomes depleted but over a minute or two, the majority of the fluid is new.