Camaroz18

iTrader: (1)

My power steering pump whines under load as I take corners pretty hard. Now normally I'd chalk this up to the pump going bad but it continues to whine for until I turn it off and turn it back on again. I'm thinking it might be the sensor on the pump but I'm not for sure. Any help would be awesome.

snake_skinner93

iTrader: (8)

It's your pump, without a doubt. The pump on my '02 just recently went out and it sounded horrible. Even at idle it whood and roared. Changed the pump and belt. All is good again.

mjs1012

iTrader: (36)

Had the same issue and after I flushed it and put new fluid in it is quiet. I'd try that first before going out and getting a new pump. My stock ps pump has 230k on it.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

There is no sensor on the pump.

A short cool down when you shut off the car is probably what is helping. If your pump is marginal, a simple P/S fluid flush could improve things and give you more time on the pump.

Camaroz18

iTrader: (1)

How do you flush the fluid? Just unhook the hose from the bottom of the reservoir or is there a bolt on the rack n pinion that I have to drain out?

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

The easiest and clean way is to drain the reservoir with an ear cleaning suction bulb (purchased from a drug store), replace it with clean fluid, run the car, and repeat several times until its all clear.

You can also drain the reservoir, plug the drain nipple and then run fluid through the reservoir and discharge the return hose in to a jug, but this requires two people and you need to be very careful to briefly run the engine so the pump doesn't go dry.; (This method is really challenging to do the first time and is a little risky with regard to running the pump dry.)

Camaroz18

iTrader: (1)

Thanks alot wssix99

Fireberg

Had a similar problem with my Formula; it would make whining / groaning noises sometimes when turning wheels. When I changed to ATF and stopped using "power steering fluid" it never made the noise again.