Power Steering "Whine"

[coreys]

I have a 88 XJ Laredo 4x4 4.0. The power steering is starting to "whine" when I turn the wheel. It started doing it when it was cold, now it seems to do it all the time. When I am driving straight down the road, I do not notice it. Is this the first sign that I need to replace my power steering pump?


Thanks

 

[BingBing]

This might sound stupid but check the fluid and if the belt is tight.

 

[Rick Anderson]

Why not replace the fluid first, flush it and add new fluid, preferably synthetic and see if that clears up the noise?

Most PS whine is pressure differences or valving, thats why its more common when cold, the higher viscosity than the valving is calipbrated for, creates the noise. As well, any clogging or pinching of the lines will do it.