I have a 2004 Outback Limited with 112K miles and recently noticed a fairly loud "whining" sound coming from the front end whenever the steering wheel is turned, especially at low speeds. It is not a grinding, but a higher pitched, almost metallic sounding churn. I checked my power steering fluid and it's fine. Any ideas of what it could be? It does seem that the noise has gotten louder over the past few weeks. Thanks for your help!
Outback04
Does it make the sound when the steering wheel is turned while parked (i.e. not moving)?
If not, then there's a range of possibilities including a wheel bearing, problem in the differential, brake pads/calipers binding, something rubbing against the brake rotor, a tire touching the wheel well liner, etc.
Also, the location of the sound is important to any suggestions that can be made. Sounds tend to travel in a car, and sometimes a sound heard inside might seem to be coming from the front when it really originates at the rear. If the sound can be heard outside the car, try to get to an empty space such as a mall parking lot and drive the car slowly at a full turn while someone else listens outside to help isolate the location. This might help to narrow down the possibilities.
If not, then there's a range of possibilities including a wheel bearing, problem in the differential, brake pads/calipers binding, something rubbing against the brake rotor, a tire touching the wheel well liner, etc.
Also, the location of the sound is important to any suggestions that can be made. Sounds tend to travel in a car, and sometimes a sound heard inside might seem to be coming from the front when it really originates at the rear. If the sound can be heard outside the car, try to get to an empty space such as a mall parking lot and drive the car slowly at a full turn while someone else listens outside to help isolate the location. This might help to narrow down the possibilities.
Thanks for your response. The sound does happen when the car is parked, and I've checked it from the outside to ensure it's coming from the front region. I'm almost positive it's not something like a wheel bearing or brakes, I've dealt with those before, but any more help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Hi!
I suppose I've got the same issue on my '03 Outback. There is whining sound at the cold start and sound gets louder when I'm turning the steering wheel while parked. This sound disappears in fifteen of so minutes when the engine(and steering pump) warms up. In my case it's definitely a power steering pump sound due to mechanical wear. The mileage is around 110k now.
Kind regards, Serge.
I suppose I've got the same issue on my '03 Outback. There is whining sound at the cold start and sound gets louder when I'm turning the steering wheel while parked. This sound disappears in fifteen of so minutes when the engine(and steering pump) warms up. In my case it's definitely a power steering pump sound due to mechanical wear. The mileage is around 110k now.
Kind regards, Serge.
It wouldn't be bearings, or brakes, or any "rotating" part of the drive train if the sound appears when turning the steering with the car stopped. The power steering pump is a possibility, as is the steering rack, or the p.s. pump drive belt.
Have you checked the power steering fluid reservoir to be sure the level is correct? And has the fluid ever been changed?
Probably the best way to better isolate the sound is to have someone turn the wheel while you, or a mechanic, listen under the hood. The general location should quickly become apparent, and perhaps the actual source.
Have you checked the power steering fluid reservoir to be sure the level is correct? And has the fluid ever been changed?
Probably the best way to better isolate the sound is to have someone turn the wheel while you, or a mechanic, listen under the hood. The general location should quickly become apparent, and perhaps the actual source.
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