My engine began to make a whining noise when the steering wheel is turned at low speeds (maneuvering the car in the parking lot for example). The whine is usually worse when turning towards the right. Its usually 90+degrees here, so the whine only lingers at low speeds (parking lot stuff), but a few days ago it was 60s in the morning for the first time, and the whine was REALLY loud and worrisome.

I popped the hood today, and noticed the power steering fluid is really low and pretty dark.

1.) How often is the fluid supposed to be changed?
2.) With the fluid being so low, could the noise be related to the pump finally giving out, or is this a belt-related issue.

I ask about the belts bec I've had problems with those too, recently replaced and squeeling is gone, seems to have returned a little bit. Also, one of the pulleys is wobbly...how problematic is this, adn can it just be tightened?

Thanks for the help

 

You have many issues here...

First off which pulley is loose? You need to get that tight or replace it. Also if the fluid is low in the power steering fill it up to the appropriate full mark. If it looks nasty change it. I used a syringe for cooking to get mine all out of the reservoir with out making a big mess.

 

+1.
Suck the existing oil out of the reservoir as much as you can with a syringe or a pump and refill with new fluid. Sounds like you have a leak somewhere in your PS system, probably the rack.

Make sure the nut on the idler pulleys are TIGHT. if they are tight already, then you need to replace the idler pulley. It will eat your belt if you dont replace it and can cause much more serious issues if things are out of balance.

 

i just heard the power steering noise 3 days ago backin out of driveway and check the fluid and i was low... checked for leaks and it was right where the top hose goes into pump.... did just have motor replaced few months ago so maybe they didnt tighten it all the way... tht wht imm hoping for atleast

 

I have seen racks that are leaking on the passenger side. FSM says to loosen the nut and tighten back down. Good time to change the PS fluid.