Steering Problems!

[stu_yoder]

For the last couple weeks my steering has been making a whining sound when I turn. It is worse in the morning when I first start the car. I checked the power steering fluid and it is okay, could it be my power steering pump??? E36 with 93000 miles.

thanks a lot!

[Wayne 962]

If you turn the car on in the morning and then turn the wheel all the way in one direction, and then hold it there, does it still make the noise?

-Wayne

[stu_yoder]

I'm not sure let me try it and I'll get back to you!

[Wayne 962]

Let us know what you find out!

-Wayne

[stu_yoder]

I discovered this morning that when i turn the wheels all the way, either direction, that the power steering makes a horrible growling noise. Bad enough that it is loud from inside the cabin of the car! What's my problem??? Please help!

[blkongry]

Sounds like your power steering pump is going out. What it's doing is slipping past the pumping mechanism, and when you turn it all the way to the stop, then the pump gets highly loaded and starts to scream. It's time for a new power steering pump. When these go out, it's a slow and progressive process, so dont' panic... you've got a little time to shop around before it dies.

[Jeron]

It probably is the pump but it is possible it is just the belt. If it is due for belts anyway you might give it a shot.

[blkongry]

Yeah, if it's a squeal, then it's likely it's the belt slipping. If it's a 'whirrrrr' sound that's a little deeper, then that's the pump.