Power Steering whining noise

Tiny
BMWE46318I
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 BMW 318I
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 200,000 MILES
I just replaced my Power Steering Pump for my BMW e46 i318 because I began to hear a whining noise from the old one when I was turning on the car and when turning the steering wheel. I successfully replaced the old with a new one, but there is still a whining noise when I turn my steering wheel. I have also checked the Power Steering Fluid, and there is the right amount in the reservoir. I took a look at the hose going into the reservoir, and I would like to ask, if this can cause the noise? Is it possible that the hose is being clogged?
Wednesday, January 13th, 2021 AT 8:48 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
BMWE46318I
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
This is a video I took of the hose going into my pump. Is it possible that it is clogging the hose and creating the whining noise when I turn on my car and turn the steering wheel?
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Thursday, January 14th, 2021 AT 12:33 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Hi again. Glad you got this posted. If these lines are covered in fluid as i pointed to in the picture below, then I suspect you have a leak still and have air in the lines.

The way to purge the air is to lift the front wheels and start the engine, fill the reservoir and turn the wheel back and forth from lock to lock multiple times and the air will work its way out. Then set the vehicle back on this ground and repeat this process. Make sure the reservoir stays full through this process.

You can flush the fluid as well which will help. Here is a guide that will help with this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-fluid-flush

However, we need to make sure any leaks are fixed first. Let me know what questions you have. Thanks
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Thursday, January 14th, 2021 AT 4:56 PM
Tiny
BMWE46318I
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Thank you so much! I will try and check all the things you pointed out as soon as I have the time. I will return ASAP!
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Friday, January 15th, 2021 AT 4:00 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Sounds great. We are here when you need us. Thanks for the update.
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Friday, January 15th, 2021 AT 6:16 PM
Tiny
BMWE46318I
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
I just have one more question. How do I fix a leaked hose? Do I have to buy new ones and replace the old ones with the new ones?
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Saturday, January 16th, 2021 AT 10:30 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
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Most of the time yes. It depends on how and where it failed. If it is a rubber or plastic line and the leak is towards the end then sometimes you have enough slack where you can cut the damaged part off and reattach the hose.

Otherwise, yes you need to replace it.
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Saturday, January 16th, 2021 AT 5:44 PM
Tiny
BMWE46318I
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Hi!
I have good news! I fixed the problem! The hose was bended so much that the oil in the lines could not get to the pump. So I moved the hose a bit and the noise was gone! Thank you so much for the help!
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Sunday, January 17th, 2021 AT 8:11 AM
Tiny
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That is great info. So glad you figured it out but even more glad that you shared it with us because that will surely help others that may have the same issue. Thanks for using 2CarPros.
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Sunday, January 17th, 2021 AT 7:18 PM

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