Symptoms
- Whining noise specifically at full steering lock, like parallel parking
- No noise during normal highway driving
- Noise fades once the wheel is turned back toward center
Likely causes
- CommonFluid level slightly lowFull lock puts maximum demand on the pump, which is when a marginal fluid level shows up as noise first.
- PossibleEarly-stage pump wearA pump beginning to wear often only makes noise under its highest load, at full steering lock.
What to do
- Check and top off power steering fluid to the correct level.
- Turn the wheel gently to full lock a few times with the engine running (in park) to check if the noise changes after topping off fluid.
- Inspect for any visible leaks that would explain a low fluid level.
- If the noise persists with correct fluid and no leaks, have the pump inspected, since this can be early wear.
- Address it before it worsens into noise during normal turning as well.
Tools and parts
- Power steering fluid
Power steering fluidSearch: “power steering fluid for [your car model]”
When to call a pro
If topping off fluid doesn't resolve it, have a mechanic test the pump before it potentially fails more broadly.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.