Steering rack humming causes. Why is there noise from the power steering and how to get rid of it? The power steering hums in the left and right positions

What to do, if power steering hums? This question is periodically asked by most car owners whose cars have this system installed. What could be the causes and consequences of the breakdown? And is it worth paying attention to this at all?

Reasons why is the power steering humming?, maybe several. Extraneous sounds indicate an obvious malfunction in the control system. And the sooner you fix it, the more money you will save and will not put yourself at risk of getting into an emergency with a faulty steering system of your car.

Power steering device

Causes of hum

An unpleasant power steering hum can occur under various circumstances. Let's look at the most basic reasons why the power steering hums when turning:

1. Low fluid level in the hydraulic booster system. You can check this visually by opening the hood and looking at the oil level in the power steering expansion tank. It should be between the MIN and MAX marks. If the level is below the minimum mark, then it is worth adding fluid. However, before doing this, you must definitely find the cause of the leak. Especially if a little time has passed since the last top-up. As a rule, leaks occur at clamps and at joints. Especially if the hoses are already old. Before topping up, be sure to eliminate the cause of the leak..
2. The filled liquid does not match the one recommended by the manufacturer. This can cause not only a hum, but also more serious malfunctions. Also power steering buzz in winter This may be due to the fact that although the liquid meets the specification, it is not intended for use in special temperature conditions (at significant frosts).

   

   Dirty power steering fluid

3. Poor quality or contamination liquids in the system. If you purchased “scorched” oil, then there is a high probability that after some time it will lose its properties and the power steering will begin to hum. As a rule, along with the hum, you will feel that it has become harder to turn the steering wheel. In this case, be sure to check the quality of the oil. As in the previous case, open the hood and look at the condition of the fluid. If it has become significantly blackened, and even more so, crumpled, it is necessary to replace it. Ideally, the color and consistency of the oil should not differ much from new. You can check the condition of the liquid “by eye”. To do this, you need to take a little liquid from the tank with a syringe and drop it onto a clean sheet of paper. Red, raspberry burgundy, green or blue colors are allowed (depending on the original used). The liquid should not be dark - brown, gray, black. Also check the smell coming from the tank. It shouldn't smell like burnt rubber or burnt oil. Remember that the fluid must be replaced in accordance with the schedule approved in your car’s manual (as a rule, it is changed every 70-100 thousand kilometers or once every two years). If necessary, change the oil. You will find a list of the best fluids for the power steering system in the corresponding one.
4. Air entering the system. This is a very dangerous phenomenon that is harmful to the power steering pump. Check for foam in the hydraulic system expansion tank. If this occurs, then it is necessary to replace the fluid.
5. Steering rack faults. It can also cause a hum. It is worth carrying out a visual inspection and diagnosis. The main signs of a rack malfunction are a knocking sound in its body or from one of the front wheels. The reason for this may be failure of the gaskets and/or damage to the steering rod boots, which can result in leakage of working fluid, dust and dirt getting onto the rack, and knocking noise. In any case, it is necessary to carry it out using repair kits sold in car dealerships. Or ask a service station for help.

   Do not drive with a faulty steering rack, as this may cause it to jam and cause an accident.

6. Loose power steering drive belt. Diagnosing this is quite simple. The procedure must be performed after the engine has been running for some time (the longer, the easier it is to diagnose). The fact is that if the belt slips along the pulley, it becomes hot. You can verify this by touching it with your hand. To tension, you need to know the force with which the belt should be tensioned. If you don’t have a manual and don’t know the effort, go to the service center for help. If the belt wears excessively, it must be replaced.
7. Power steering pump malfunction. This is the most unpleasant and expensive breakdown. Its main symptom is an increase in the effort with which you need to turn the steering wheel. The reasons why the power steering pump is humming can be various failed parts of the pump - bearings, impeller, seals. You can familiarize yourself with methods for diagnosing and repairing power steering in another.

Power steering hums when cold

Troubleshooting power steering and steering rack

There are several reasons why the power steering hums when cold. The first is that it goes air leakage through low pressure lines. To eliminate it, it is enough to put two clamps on the tube going from the reservoir to the power steering pump. In addition, it is worth replacing the ring located on the suction pipe of the pump itself. After installing the clamps, we recommend that you use an oil-resistant sealant to coat the clamps and joints.

You can also conditionally identify another reason, the probability of which is low. Sometimes there are cases when it is carried out insufficient (poor quality) pumping of the power steering system. In this case, an air bubble remains at the bottom of the tank, which is removed using a syringe. Naturally. that its presence can cause the indicated hum.

Elimination methods may include replacing oil hoses and/or racks, replacing the power steering pump, installing additional clamps on all hoses in order to prevent air leaks into the system. You can also perform the following procedures:

• replacing the O-ring on the expansion tank supply spout;
• installing a new hose from the reservoir to the pump using oil-resistant sealant;
• perform the procedure for expelling air from the system (when performing the procedure, bubbles will appear on the surface of the liquid, which must be given time to burst) by turning the steering wheel with the engine not running;

Another repair option is to replace the O-ring in the power steering pressure suction hose (and, if necessary, the hose itself and both clamps). The fact is that over time it loses elasticity and becomes rigid, that is, it loses elasticity and tightness, and begins to let air through, which enters the system, causing knocking and foam in the tank. The way out is to replace this ring. Sometimes a problem can arise because it can be difficult to find a similar ring in a store. But if you find it, be sure to replace it and place it on the mount and lubricate it with oil-resistant sealant.

For some cars, a special power steering repair kit is available for sale. If problems arise with this unit, the first thing you need to do is buy a repair kit and change the rubber gaskets that are included in it. Moreover, it is advisable to buy original kits (especially important for expensive foreign cars).

Power steering pump bearing

It is also necessary to monitor absence of dirt in the system fluid. If it is present even in small quantities, over time this will lead to wear on the parts of the power steering pump, which will cause it to begin to make unpleasant sounds and work worse, which will be expressed in increased effort when turning the steering wheel, as well as possible knocking. Therefore, when replacing the fluid, be sure to check for dirt deposits at the bottom of the expansion tank. If they exist, you need to get rid of them. Check the filter in the tank (if there is one). It should be relatively clean and intact, tightly adjacent to the walls of the tank. In some cases, it is better to replace the entire tank and filter rather than try to clean them. Also in this case, it is necessary to remove the rail, disassemble it, wash it from dirt, and also replace the rubber-plastic parts. To do this you need to use the mentioned repair kit.

It can make an unpleasant sound power steering pump outer bearing. Its replacement is easy, without the need to completely disassemble the unit. However, sometimes it can be difficult to find a replacement for him.

There are special additives that are added to power steering fluid. They eliminate the hum of the pump, relieve effort on the steering wheel, increase the clarity of the power steering, reduce the level of vibration of the hydraulic pump, and protect system parts from wear when the oil level is low. However, motorists have different attitudes towards such additives. They really help some, but they only harm others and speed up the time for replacing the power steering pump or replacing it.

When choosing a liquid, pay attention to its temperature characteristics so that it works normally in severe frosts (if necessary). Because the high viscosity oil will create obstacles to the normal operation of the power steering system.

Power steering hums when hot

If the power steering hums when hot, then there may be several problems. Let's look at several typical situations and methods for solving them.

• If it starts while the engine is warming up, it is necessary to replace the pump or repair it using a repair kit.
• When a knocking sound appears on a warm engine at low speeds, and disappears at high speeds, this means that the power steering pump has become unusable. In this case, there may be two ways out - replacing the pump and pouring thicker fluid into the power steering system.
• If you have poured counterfeit fluid into the system, this may cause it to heat up. will lose its viscosity, accordingly, the pump will not be able to create the necessary pressure in the system. The solution is to replace the oil with the original one, after flushing the system (pumping with fresh fluid).
• Steering rack malfunction. When heated, the fluid becomes less viscous and can leak through the seals if they are damaged.

Remember that it is better to use the original liquid. This is evidenced by the experience of many car owners. After all, buying counterfeit oil can cause costly repairs to elements of the power steering system.

Power steering buzzes in extreme positions

Do not turn the front wheels for long periods of time

It should be taken into account that when the wheels are turned all the way, the power steering pump operates at maximum load. Therefore, it may make additional sounds that are not a sign of a malfunction. Some automakers report this in their manuals. It is important to distinguish precisely the emergency noises associated with problems in the system.

However, if you are sure that the sounds that appear are the result of a malfunction in the system, then it is necessary to carry out diagnostics. The main reasons that the power steering hums in extreme positions are the same reasons listed above. That is, it is necessary to check the operation of the pump, the fluid level in the expansion tank, the tension of the power steering drive belt, and the cleanliness of the fluid. The situation described below may also occur.

Typically, at the top of the gearbox there is a valve box, which is designed to control hydraulic flows. When the wheel is turned to its extreme position, the flow is blocked by the bypass valve, and the liquid passes through a “small circle,” that is, the pump works on itself and does not cool. This is very harmful for it and is fraught with serious damage - for example, scoring on the cylinder or pump gates. In winter, when the oil is more viscous, this is especially true. That's why do not keep the wheels turned all the way for more than 5 seconds.

Power steering hums after replacement

Sometimes the power steering starts to hum after an oil change. Unpleasant sounds may be caused by the pump if the system less thick oil was poured in than it was before. The fact is that between the inner surface of the stator ring and the rotor plates the output increases. Vibration of the plates also occurs due to the unevenness of the stator surface.

It is also possible that a hum may occur after replacing the high-pressure power steering hose. One of the reasons may be a poor-quality hose. Some service stations make the mistake of installing ordinary hydraulic hoses instead of special hoses designed for high pressure and operation in the power steering system. This may cause airing the system and, accordingly, the occurrence of hum. The remaining reasons are completely similar to the cases listed above (knock on cold, hot).

In order for the hydraulic booster to work normally and not knock, you must follow a few simple rules:

• Monitor the oil level in the power steering system, top up and change it on time. In addition, check its condition. There is always a risk of purchasing a low-quality liquid, which becomes unusable after a short period of use (check its color and smell).
• Don't delay for long(more than 5 seconds) wheels in extreme position(both left and right). This is harmful for the power steering pump, which operates without cooling.
• When parking the car Always keep the front wheels level (straight). This will take the load off the power steering system the next time you start the engine. This advice is especially relevant in cold weather, when the oil thickens.
• If it occurs (humming, knocking, increased effort when turning the steering wheel) don't delay repairs. You will not only fix the breakdown at a lower cost, but also protect your car, you and your loved ones from possible emergency situations.
• Constantly monitor the condition of the steering rack. This is especially true for the condition of anthers and seals. This way you will not only extend its service life, but also save money on expensive repairs.

Conclusion

Remember that if the slightest sign of malfunction of the vehicle’s steering, and in particular the power steering system, appears, it is necessary to carry out diagnostics and repair work as quickly as possible. Otherwise, when the critical moment comes you risk losing control of the car when the steering fails (for example, the steering rack jams). Do not skimp on the condition of your car and the safety of yourself and your loved ones.

A modern car is literally “stuffed” with various additional systems aimed at improving comfort. We can no longer imagine a car without air conditioning, heated seats, electric windows and, of course, hydraulic power steering. It is called GUR for short. However, during operation this mechanism may malfunction.

It’s a reason to think seriously if the power steering hums when you turn the steering wheel in place. What could these unpleasant sounds indicate? Why does the power steering hum when you turn the steering wheel? We’ll look at how to deal with this in this article.

Characteristic

The hydraulic booster is an element. Unlike mechanical systems, in this case additional force is generated to turn the wheels, based on a hydraulic drive.

The device operates from the crankshaft pulley. The performance of the amplifier is proportional to the rotation speed of a given pulley. That is, the higher the speed, the easier it is to turn the steering wheel (which contradicts real requirements). In this regard, more expensive cars are equipped with electric assistants. They allow you to reduce the gain when the car picks up speed and vice versa.

Working fluid

Those who have a hydraulic booster know that the main component in it (besides the pump) is liquid. The oil in the power steering system also has its own resource. There is no need to think that it is flooded for its entire service life. The fluid must be periodically topped up or changed completely. The latter option is more reasonable from the point of view of system maintenance.

How often should I change a little in the hydraulic booster system? Many manufacturers do not regulate this figure. However, experts say that the oil needs to be changed at least once every 5 years. Every 60 thousand kilometers the fluid level in the tank should be checked. If you do not adhere to these rules, the amplifier may hum when turning the steering wheel.

How to determine the condition of a liquid?

Look into the tank. The power steering fluid should have its original color (usually red), without impurities or deposits.

There should also be no dirt on the walls of the tank. An important point - when adding oil, do not mix products from different manufacturers. If you do not know what fluid was previously filled, it is recommended to change it entirely. Old oil will be difficult to pump through the pump. Over time, the steering wheel speed will become tight, and the pump itself will begin to make a characteristic sound. But this is not the only reason why the power steering hums when you turn the steering wheel.

Rail

In modern cars, worm and screw drives are no longer used. All cars are now equipped with racks. The Mitsubishi Lancer 9 was no exception. The power steering hums when you turn the steering wheel, sometimes precisely because of the rack. What is the reason for this phenomenon?

The problem lies in temperature changes and reagents that are sprinkled on roads in winter. This problem is especially relevant for residents of large cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg. Salt gets on the rubber boots and the rack seal. As a result, they become dull, crack, and the steering mechanism begins to leak. After parking for a short time, you will find that an oil puddle has formed under the car.

This is the amplifier. The problem is also accompanied by a hum. After all, the oil level in the tank gradually drops. If you do not check this in time, you can damage the pump. If the power steering hums loudly when you turn the steering wheel and fluid often disappears, first of all, inspect the condition of the boots. The lath must be dry.

If the problem was identified on time, everything is solved by replacing the damaged boot or oil seal. After such repairs, the liquid stops flowing out. In advanced cases, if the power steering hums when you turn the steering wheel all the way, the entire rack and pinion mechanism changes.

Drive unit

The next reason is the drive of the mechanism. The hydraulic booster is driven by the crankshaft pulley. The nodes are connected by a belt drive. It should have good tension. Otherwise, the pump pressure will be insufficient. In addition to the hum, you will feel that the steering wheel has begun to turn much more tightly, and in addition there will be increased vibration. Check the condition of the belt.

Adjust the position of the tension roller. Typically, a 14mm wrench is used for such work. Also check the condition of the belt itself. Of course, when it breaks, it’s not like at the timing belt. The pump will simply stop producing pressure. However, you should not drive with a cracked belt. If the element has burrs and small cracks, it needs to be replaced. At the same time, check the condition of other belts (alternator and timing gear) that are located nearby.

Check how the belt bearing rotates: it should not whistle. If so, replace the element with a new one.

Pump

And the last reason why the power steering hums when you turn the steering wheel is a faulty pump. This happens due to ignoring the oil change regulations and improper operation of the steering.

The element can be changed entirely, without repair kits. The pump is the most expensive part (with the exception of the rack) in the car's control system. Therefore, you need to know how to properly operate a car with power steering.

How to save power steering?

There are a number of rules that should be followed when operating a car with power steering:

• Do not leave your car in a parking lot with its wheels turned out, especially in winter.
• Do not overheat the power steering fluid. To do this, do not twist the steering wheel all the way. Leave a small gap of 5-10 degrees. The load on the pump will decrease significantly, and the liquid will not boil.
• Monitor the oil level in the tank. If the fluid begins to leak, check the condition of the rack and rubber tubes. The leak must be fixed.
• Change the power steering oil regularly. This will save the pump and rack from premature failure.
• Do not drive with a loose belt. If there are any extraneous sounds from under the hood (often a characteristic whistle), check the tension level.

Conclusion

So, we found out why the power steering hums when turning the steering wheel and how to prevent this malfunction. Hydraulic booster makes driving easier, especially during maneuvers such as parking. However, do not forget that power steering is a separate mechanism that uses its own oil and its own drive. With proper care, this unit will delight the driver with long and silent operation.

Every third driver one day begins to hear a hum from the power steering. This noise indicates that something in the mechanism is damaged or worn out, and this is all fraught with consequences. To check what exactly the problem is, you need to carry out diagnostics and determine why the power steering is humming.

What to do if the power steering hums

Power steering (or power steering)- a complex design that creates the necessary force so that you can easily turn the steering wheel. Despite the rather complicated device, you can figure out the reasons for the breakdown yourself. Repairs will most likely require the services of professionals, but experienced drivers can handle it on their own.

Is this noise harmful to the car?

Any hum or excess vibration is harmful to the machine. The consequences of all this can be very different, but you have to pay for everything. Another question is what price. For example, if the power steering pump hums, the pressure hose may leak, which as a result may even break. This can cause hydraulic fluid to enter the exhaust manifold and ignite, causing the entire vehicle to catch fire.

Causes of buzzing

There may be several reasons why the power steering is humming. When diagnosing, you need to check the following details.

Low fluid level

A special oil is poured into the power steering reservoir - ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid). The level of this fluid may drop due to poor sealing of oil seals, connections, and hose rolling. Open the hood and check the level of this oil in the tank. If the level is insufficient, you must first eliminate the cause of the leak, and then replace all the oil.

Important! Loss of hydraulic fluid begins asymptomatically. First, the oil flows out through the steering rack end seal, but the boot prevents it from flowing out. If there is fogging near the anthers, then you need to urgently find out the reason.

Liquid quality

Due to prolonged use, hydraulic oil burns out, becomes diluted and becomes contaminated. That is, sometimes it needs to be changed, and at least once every two years or every 70 - 100 thousand km. The quality of a liquid can only be determined by eye. Open the reservoir, take a drop of ATF oil and place it on a piece of white paper. If everything is fine with the oil, its color will be burgundy, crimson or red. The fluid needs to be changed if it is brown, dark brown or black. If the smell of burnt rubber or burnt oil is heard from the reservoir, then the fluid also needs to be changed.

Steering rack malfunction

A hum in the power steering can also appear due to problems with the steering rack. To check, you need to diagnose the rack and the power steering itself. The hum from the steering rack can come from the knock of the rod on the body or from a worm pair. The solution to the problem is repair, or in extreme cases, replacement of the rack.

Aired system

If air gets into the hydraulic system, you will hear howling and grinding noises. Air could enter the pump through the fluid supply hose due to cracks or a loose connection between the hose and the expansion tank. The second reason is a clogged filter mesh in the expansion tank itself. Because of this, the liquid there will foam and bubble. The liquid in the expansion tank should not boil, it should flow freely. Air may have entered when replacing any parts. Adding fluid does not mean solving the problem. The system needs to be flushed, the fluid replaced, and the system pumped. After this, the air should come out completely.

Drive belt wear

If the power steering starts to hum when you turn the steering wheel, then the reason is the drive belt, which is worn out or loose. Tighten it or install a new one.

Pump fault

The most unpleasant breakdown, and the most financially costly, is the breakdown of the power steering pump. Failure can occur due to worn bearings or seals, or a broken pump impeller. If the pump is broken, then you can not only hear a hum, but it will also be reflected in the steering wheel - it will be more difficult to turn it. For diagnostics, you need to go to a service station to see professionals.

Tips for using power steering

Power steering, like any other vehicle unit, needs to be serviced periodically. No automaker makes any special recommendations. All you need to do with the oil in the power steering is check its level, but do not change it, and if necessary, supplement the missing volume.

The frequency of replacement depends on the intensity of use of the vehicle. The norm is once every 2 years.

For power steering, use only the oil recommended by the automaker specifically for your car model. Don't buy cheap oil. If it happens that the oil has leaked, and you somehow need to get to the service station, then you need to pour automatic transmission fluid into the reservoir along with engine oil. You cannot use mixtures of different types of hydraulic oil for prolonged operation of the hydraulic booster.

If you do mix oils, you need to flush the entire system before adding new oil to the system so that it does not mix with the remainder of the mixture. Flushing the system is mandatory! Wear products form vapors that clog calibrated holes and are an abrasive material that contributes to wear of mechanisms.

Be sure to keep an eye on the power steering pump drive belt. If there are problems with it, then a squeak will come from under the hood. The problem could be a worn pulley or belt, or a broken pump. Do not tighten the belt again - the pump will work even less.

Curb stones, or rather running over them, are a problem for owners of cars with power steering. It doesn't have feedback, so you won't get full steering information, meaning you won't always know what's going on with the wheel. When you jump onto a curb, you will feel a slight push rather than a strong tug. The power steering pump may produce high pressure to maintain the steering rack position. The wheels will be fixed, that is, the impact will be hard. As a result, you can get damaged gears, drives, steering rod joints, even a jammed or deformed steering rack. A similar situation occurs if you press too tightly against the curb. The power steering will instantly respond to turning the steering wheel, and if the wheel is limited in movement, then there is no need to put pressure on the steering wheel.

Never step on the gas while waiting for a parking space to become available. In this case, the wheels are turned at a large angle, and the wait takes more than half a minute, so the pressure in the power steering system increases significantly. This is fraught with flying out or deformed sealing elements or a broken pump. The working fluid may also overheat, and this will degrade performance.

In winter, in cold weather, you cannot start with a “cold” engine, since the working fluid is too viscous, that is, it will not reach the valves and calibrated holes well, in general, it increases the load. There are many reasons why the power steering makes noise, but the result is the same - a non-functioning car. To prevent this, get diagnosed on time. Good luck on the roads!

Hydraulic power steering is designed to make life easier for the vehicle driver, but for the time being, it works as it should. As soon as the operating conditions change, that is, the power steering requires maintenance or even repair, then there is no talk of any relief. This is a headache, not an improvement. The first signs that can lead to the final failure of the power steering are extraneous sounds when the car is started or when the driver turns the steering wheel from side to side. What provokes these sounds, what hums, what to pay attention to, how to get rid of the hum in the hydraulic power steering? About this in our article.

Causes of hydraulic power steering hum

Let us list the main reasons that can cause such a hum. That is, we focus attention on the steering components, which can emit a hum or whistle, thereby indicating deviations in the normal operation of the power steering hydraulic system.
The first thing to remember is that power steering is a mechanical, hydraulic system. The heart of this system is the pump, which pumps hydraulic fluid. The pump is driven by a running engine through a belt drive. It is this belt drive, in other words, the belt, that you need to pay attention to first.
The second reason may be the use of used, that is, unusable hydraulic fluid. The thing is that when you turn the steering wheel, the cross-section of the passage channels in the system changes, their number, and the flow of liquid will also change. All this leads to a change in hydraulic resistance in the system, especially when the channels have already begun to become clogged with waste fluid deposits.
The third option is a breakdown of the rack or pump itself, when the hum is caused by wear of the shut-off valves, a significant change in their flow area, internal and external leaks. Changing the shape of the pump blades, etc. In general, everything that is associated with wear of parts. This conclusion about the malfunction of the parts can be made after the first two options have been checked and they are excluded from the possible causes of the hum.
Now about everything the same, but with verification criteria. And also about what needs to be done to prevent noise in the power steering.

Hydraulic power steering hum from a worn or loose belt

Belt wear or insufficient tension can cause a hum, and this hum should actually depend on engine speed. That is, you need to press the gas pedal, and the hum should change in accordance with the engine speed. If this is exactly the situation you have, then check the tension roller to see if it is pulling the belt enough, and if the belt is not slipping due to wear or because it has been overextended.
To be more sure, the power steering hum should be checked when the steering wheel is in the “straight” position and when turning the steering wheel.
If belt slippage is detected, then we tighten it accordingly or change it if there is nowhere to tighten it.

Hydraulic power steering hum from hydraulic fluid

The option with old hydraulic fluid is also quite real. The hum may appear due to the fact that its viscosity and composition changes over time. The fact that she is changing is certain. After all, in the system there are constantly processes of wear of parts, where their particles fall into this very liquid, and the liquid also evaporates due to heating. All this affects the properties of the hydraulic fluid. Its color, hygroscopicity, viscosity, aggressive properties of the medium change...
And if this is the case, then from time to time the hydraulic fluid must be changed, and with the hydraulic fluid recommended by the car manufacturer. Simply adding fluid will not do anything, since its main volume will not meet accepted standards.
The main criteria for replacement will be a change in the color of the liquid to dark. The mileage of a car for changing power steering fluid is usually not regulated by manufacturers. The principle of replacing hydraulic fluid is approximately the same for all machines. That is why you can familiarize yourself with it using the example of replacing power steering fluid for Lada Largus “Replacing hydraulic fluid and bleeding the power steering hydraulic system of Lada Largus.”

Hydraulic power steering hum from a broken rack or pump

The most unpleasant thing that can happen and what can cause a hum is mechanical failure or excessive wear of power steering parts. First of all, we check the pump. Its noise when worn will also depend on the engine operating frequency, as is the case with the belt. The bearing in the pump may fail, which is a completely common cause of failure; it can whistle and hum accordingly.
The second is a breakdown of the steering rack. This is usually due to the fact that the bypass valves begin to work incorrectly, or the piston that helps move the rack to a certain position (left, right) begins to let liquid through, that is, leaks form inside the rack. All these reasons can cause hum and reduce the efficiency of the rack. In order for you to better understand how the valves and piston in the power steering rack work, you can read the article “Design of power steering on a car".

Summarizing the origin of the hum of a hydraulic booster (power steering) on ​​a car

So, if we summarize the situation based on the hum in the reiki, then there are two radically different reasons possible. This is untimely maintenance of the hydraulic system, be it the need to tension the belt or replace hydraulic fluid, or breakdowns and wear of the parts themselves.
If in the first case you can get rid of the hum quite simply by servicing the system accordingly, then in the second case you cannot do without disassembling and replacing parts.
Of course, when the power steering rack hums, you need to pay attention to very basic things: the integrity of all hoses, leaks and sweating, the fluid level in the tank. Systematic diagnostics and appropriate measures taken on its basis can save you from the power steering hum and whistle in your car.

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When cold, the power steering hums, just howls, it works for about five minutes and everything goes away. After replacing the power steering fluid, nothing changed. I was at a car service center, they told me that there was nothing wrong with it, but for some reason I didn’t trust them. Has anyone encountered this problem, an incomprehensible buzzing sound from the power steering when cold? Maybe it's worth changing the pump or maybe there are other options? Won't it jam? Chevrolet Lanos car.

The noise or hum or even an increased squeal that the power steering pump makes can be heard both when the steering wheel is rotated and without rotation, when the engine is running. The cause of noisy operation may be the working pair, the rotor with lamellas and the ellipse, or the bearing. When the working pair is in perfect condition, the ellipse has a smooth surface. The ellipse of the faulty pump, arrows indicate places of wear. What causes wear and tear? Due to the lack or absence of fluid level in the power steering reservoir or extreme driving!!! Also, due to the lack of fluid, the so-called working mirrors wear out - the sliding surfaces on which the rotor with lamellas rotates. With such wear, normal operation of the power steering pump is simply not possible and therefore the worn parts need to be replaced. If the pump runs dry for a long time, it will jam. So, in the future, to prevent this from happening to your car, it is recommended to periodically look into the power steering reservoir to check the level and quality of the fluid. The color of the liquid must be unambiguous. There are only three colors of power steering fluid: red, yellow and green.

The first option: if the fluid is in order, the level should be brought to normal, according to the marks, since there is a possible noise variant - a low level of power steering fluid (at extreme steering positions, the system is completely filled with fluid and the level in the tank drops - the pump is emptied and when operating at " dry" makes noise). But this noise occurs when turning both right and left. If this happens and you add fluid frequently, then look for a leak. The second option, of course, can make noise even when the fluid is normal. At the top of the gearbox there is a valve box that controls the directions of hydraulic flows. When the steering wheel is turned to its extreme position, it cuts off the pressure that enters the power steering section of the gearbox and the pump begins to work on itself, i.e. in a small circle, distilling the liquid only through the expansion tank and in this situation the pump can make noise, and in cold weather the viscosity of the liquid increases and especially immediately after startup the noise increases. The third option is already symptoms of a dying power steering pump: the fluid is dirty; extraneous noises in all operating modes and at all speeds; Pump performance decreases, steering wheel constantly bites.

If you just replace the power steering fluid, you can only delay the repair of the pump, but the problem is in the pump’s exhaustion, it needs to be repaired. And you also need to look at the fluid level when it’s cold, to see if it’s normal.

You unscrew the expansion tank and move it to the side, do not remove the pipes, then use a head with a long knob to unscrew the upper pipe on the power steering, then the valve itself, which consists of two parts: the stationary part, which also needs to be unscrewed with the head, and the moving part, which remains in the socket ( there are two springs under it), you can safely take it out and after inspecting it, wipe it, if there are a lot of abrasions, then get ready to replace the pump, but if there are not many, then change the fluid, bleed the pump and everything should be fine.

Don't let it jam, and if it does jam, then cut the belt to the pump and drive without power steering. You will definitely get to the right place for repairs, or even further) and another piece of advice, you don’t need to buy a new pump right away, there are plenty of restored originals everywhere.

Or maybe you have an air leak somewhere? Noisy operation may occur due to air leaks. As experts explain, this can happen for several reasons: the entire system is airy (at one time they did not keep track of the liquid level); the liquid may lose its properties due to age and contamination; the power steering pump simply begins to deteriorate over time - scuffs appear on the inner working surface, with such a problem the only way to repair or replace the pump. But if it is airy or dirty, then by flushing the power steering and replacing the fluid, you can fix everything.

8.4.1. Bleeding the power steering system
Bleeding (bleeding air) of the hydraulic power steering system is necessary after any work related to depressurization of the system (replacement of the pump or pipelines). A sign of air in the system is the steering wheel jamming when you try to turn it sharply. In addition, the pump makes increased noise when the steering wheel is turned, and the fluid in the reservoir usually foams.
1. Fill the power steering system with working fluid (see “Checking the level and adding working fluid to the power steering system”) to the “MAX” mark.
2. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel all the way in one direction.
WARNING
Do not hold the steering wheel in the extreme position for more than 10 seconds.
3. Turn the steering wheel all the way in the opposite direction.
4. Turn the steering wheel to the center position and turn off the engine.
5. Check the level of working fluid in the power steering reservoir and add if necessary.
NOTE
The level of working fluid in the tank when the engine is warm should not be higher than the “MAX” mark, and when the engine is cold – not lower than the “MIN” mark.
6. Repeat steps 2–5 until the level of working fluid in the tank stops decreasing.

I would replace the tube, and then do it in the following sequence: 1. In a small stream, so that there are fewer bubbles, the fluid in the power steering should be filled to the MAX mark; 2. Smoothly turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times; 3. Start the engine, but do not be alarmed when you hear loud sounds made by the power steering pump, this is how it should be. The pump begins to circulate liquid through the system, but there is air in the system. You need to check if there are any leaks in the connection that you disconnected; 4. A few minutes after you start the engine, it begins to smoothly turn the steering wheel from lock to lock, thereby removing air from the power steering pump system. Do not stay in extreme positions for more than one second. As air is removed, the sounds will subside. Turn the steering wheel until the pump operates silently, and also monitor the fluid level in the tank and the connection through which you drained the fluid so that there are no leaks; 5. When the power steering pump begins to operate silently, make several control turns of the steering wheel to make sure that the pump operates quietly and the steering wheel rotates easily; 6. If the noise does not stop, it means that the air has not been removed from the power steering system, the liquid has partially become a suspension (saturated with air bubbles) and needs to settle, leave the car until the next day; 7.Add fluid to the power steering reservoir to the MAX mark and close the reservoir cap.

I had a case where the power steering pump hummed, it hummed both when it was cold and when it was hot, and when you turned the steering wheel, and just when the engine was started. I tried the power steering, but there was no effect. But somehow I couldn’t start because the battery was dead, as it turned out the diode bridge in the generator burned out (the battery light didn’t light up, although it was working). Apparently the pump didn’t have enough voltage, and that’s why it was humming. When the diode bridge was changed, everything returned to normal.

Possible causes of power steering hum