PS pump noise when accelerating?
PS pump noise when accelerating?
Hi Everyone. I have a 2006 MCS with 40k miles that has a loud noise when turning, but only when accelerating. If the car is idling, I can turn the steering wheel left and right without any noticeable whine. If I turn the steering wheel and accelerate, it has a loud whine. I can only hear the sound (it's loud) when stopped and starting to move while turning. I'm not sure if it's a belt or the PS pump. Any ideas? Thanks!
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 766
Likes: 80
From: Texas
I assume you have checked the fluid level? If the pump is going out I wouldn’t think it unusual for pump noise to increase upon increased demand on the pump when accelerating. It is unusual that it doesn’t make noise at idle, except that possibly the pump is able to keep up under a reduced load.
Thanks for the responses. Fluid level is between the cap marks and is 11s. I'm almost certain it is not the PS pump. I can hear the pump when the car is running, at idle, and I turn the steering left and right. Not a loud noise and it get a bit louder (not much) when turning the wheel stationary. Also, if I press the accelerator a bit and raise the idle (car still stationary), and turn left and right, the PS pump sound is the same as the previous scenario. However, if in gear and moving, I can hear an rpm-dependent sound, only when turning and accelerating at the same time. If I'm coasting (off the gas) and turn, no noise; if I accelerate while turning, I can hear the noise. Almost like a belt noise, but the pump is electric.
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 766
Likes: 80
From: Texas
It’s going to be hard to help you with only written descriptions of sounds. If there is no increased effort when turning or jerky feeling when turning then your pump is probably working. The only thing I can think of that would whine is the pump. A bad belt would squeal. You might try raising the front wheels off the ground and duplicate the conditions you hear the sound. Turning right and left accelerating and not accelerating.
Yeah, I guess it's hard to explain how it sounds exactly. I tried taking a video, but the phone doesn't pick up the sound well. I'm sure it's not the power steering pump. Thanks for the help though. Will keep digging.
thanks for the idea, but that won't work. If the car is not moving, I can turn the wheel while accelerating or not, and it won't make that sound.
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