Daspyda

iTrader: (1)

It is common knowledge that there is eventual leakage of power steering fluid from the pump down onto the alternator.

What would be the beginning signs of this - besides the obvious lowering of fluid on the indicator stick?

Electrical issues? Whine from pump? Momentary loss of power steering assist?

Just wondering as I thought I heard a weird whine for a couple of short drives that isn't there anymore. It sounded as other cars with low power steering fluid in their systems.

TY!

AkumaUCF10

Whining happens once the fluid level is low or the pump has failed. Yes your best indication that there is a leak in the system is the fluid level dropping. This is only telling you that there is a loss of fluid, not where it is coming from. The best way to figure that out would be to visually inspect all the lines and the rack and the pump for leakage. Odds are is its one of the hoses.

If the pump was failing it would be noisy, whining coming from the pump when it is full, whirring noise from the pulley area and then difficulty turning the wheel.

Hard spots in the turn are usually problems with the rack or tie rods, as they are binding up it can cause a hard spot