I had my power steering rack and pinion replaced, the pump replaced, andthe hoses. now the car no longer leaks fluid, but it whines a bit. What could be the cause of this? We used that ATP power steering fluid stuff (the one in a white beer bottle shaped container with a red label) if anyone was wondering. Reason I'm posting here is because I'm wondering if the fluid has anything to do with it? Its the same stuff that I used before I replaced the rack. The old rack didnt really make much noise as long as it was full (which at the point before I replaced it, was every time before I went out I had to fill it).

Could it be that I might have gotten a poorly remanufactured rack? Also, I've been told by a mechanic that I need to replace my two front axels in my car when ever I get a chance. They make a creaking sort of noise.... Could the added stress of the axels going bad make the power steering work extra hard and make that noise?

 

Perhaps is the noise coming from the pump?

 

hmm, not sure, its that noise you would hear if you didnt have enough power steering fluid. but the noise is not strong (as if the pump were close to empty). Does that noise generally come from the pump?

 

Belt tension? Maybe there is air in the system? Does the pump manufacturer specify a certain kind of fluid? When does the whine happen? Idle, moving, steering? If it whines during idle, you can use a s***hoscope to pinpoint its location. I would start listening on the PS pump first.

 

I dunno about 3rd gens, but 4th gens use ATF (not power steering fluid) in the power steering systems.