Power steering when I drive it, it whines?

Tiny
KINGJD123
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 GMC TERRAIN
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 115,000 MILES
I think something up with power steering pump. I replaced my engine and when I did this I changed over my power steering pump. After this I refilled it then When I drive it, it whines, and it gets louder based on how fast I accelerate I don't remember bleeding it and the fluid is full what can it be.
Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 AT 5:41 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

If you turn the steering wheel all the way left and then right a few times, it should bleed the system. Are there any air bubbles in the reservoir that would indicate air?

Also, what type of fluid was used to refill the pump/reservoir? It calls for Dexron VI transmission fluid. See pic below.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 AT 8:25 PM
Tiny
KINGJD123
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Oh my! I didn't know that I put regular power steering fluid in there, not Dextron 6. Will it burn up my motor? I haven't driven it more than 40 miles.
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Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 AT 9:06 PM
Tiny
KINGJD123
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How do I drain the system?
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Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 AT 9:13 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

You should be fine. The only way to drain it would be to either remove the return line and allow the pump to run (which would make a mess) or vacuum out the fluid from the reservoir and refill it with the correct fluid, start the engine, and turn the wheels all the way left and right several times. Then repeat the process until the clear PS fluid is no longer present and the ATF is always present.

Let me know. Also, you should be fine, so don't worry about the fluid at this point.

Let me know how things turn out for you.

Joe
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Wednesday, November 15th, 2023 AT 7:15 PM
Tiny
KINGJD123
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Change the fluid I unhooked return and then move wheels from left to right to drain. Then filled up and still noise.
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Thursday, November 16th, 2023 AT 6:49 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Are there bubbles in the PS fluid? I do hear it. That is what it sounds like.

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, November 16th, 2023 AT 8:54 PM
Tiny
KINGJD123
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  • 104 POSTS
I'm pretty sure no bubbles are appearing. I did lock the wheels back and forth a couple of times. The wheels feel good, other than the whine everything feels good. Do you think the pump is going bad?
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Thursday, November 16th, 2023 AT 9:04 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

It is possible that the pump is failing. However, drive it a few days and see if it stops. It could still have air in the system. Additionally, after driving, see if there is any evidence of air in the system (air bubbles in the fluid).

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, November 16th, 2023 AT 9:53 PM
Tiny
KINGJD123
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So, I drove it around all day this morning it sounds like it was going away then in the afternoon it started getting loud again. I also checked fluid doesn't look like it has air.
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Friday, November 17th, 2023 AT 5:21 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Double-check to make sure all fittings are tight and not allowing air to enter. If they are and there are no air bubbles in the reservoir, we have one of two ways to go.

First, they do make products to eliminate pump whining noise. You could try that to see if it helps. If it doesn't and there is no air, then the pump is the likely issue.

I attached a pic of a product below, so you know what I'm referring to. That pic is from Amazon, but most parts stores would have it.

Please understand, I can't guarantee this will resolve the issue, but it is an inexpensive way to try before replacing the pump.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Friday, November 17th, 2023 AT 9:26 PM

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