If you’ve been driving your car for a while and have noticed that it seems to make a whiny noise when you turn the wheel slowly, then you may have a problem with your power steering. This article will show you how to fix it and why it’s happening.
What causes a power steering whine when it’s cold?
Every car has its own power steering whine that can vary depending on the make and model. In general, power steering whines occur when the engine is struggling to turn the wheels as it should. The cause of this issue can be anything from a loose belt to a worn out pump. When these problems are identified and fixed, the power steering whine usually goes away.
How to stop the whining noise from your power steering
Power steering systems are notorious for making a whining noise when cold. This noise is caused by the power steering pump losing fluidity and thus creating excessive drag on the system. While there is no surefire way to stop this noise, there are a few things you can do to reduce its severity.
The first step is to make sure your fluid levels are correct. If your engine is cold, the fluid will be at a lower viscosity which will cause more drag on the power steering system. Make sure you check your fluid levels every month or so and top up as needed.
Another thing you can do to reduce the noise is to put a fan on your radiator. This will help circulate the fluid and reduce the amount of drag on the system. You can also try using a heat shield around your power steering cooler to further reduce friction.
If all else fails, you may need to replace your power steering pump. While this may not be ideal, it is usually the only solution for reducing the noise significantly.
DIY solutions for stopping the power steering whine
There are a few DIY solutions that can help stop your power steering whine when it gets cold. One solution is to add a heat blanket to the car. This will create a warm environment for the car’s power steering system and help to prevent it from freezing up. Another solution is to use a heater duct in the car to help keep the power steering system warm. Lastly, you can try using a thermal grease on the power steering gears. This will help to reduce friction and make the power steering system work smoother in cold weather.
Conclusion
If you’re like most drivers, you’ve probably experienced a power steering whine when the temperature drops. This annoying phenomenon is typically caused by air getting trapped in the power steering pump, causing it to work harder to move the car. There are a few things you can do to try and fix the issue, but in the end it may be best to just replace your power steering pump.