Power steering growl only to the right

[stemo76]

We recently picked up an 2003 3.0 X5. for the most part the car is in good shape but like anything used there are some things we are tracking down to repair.

When the car is turned all the way to the right it growls, more than a normal car would. To the left its fine.

I am thinking that since it just to the one direction that would rule out the pump and leave the steering rack. These are fairly expensive so I want to be sure before replacing it.

Any suggestions?

[stemo76]

Nobody has any input on this?

[bcredliner]

Are you moving or sitting still?

[bcredliner]

symptoms of bad steering rack--
leaking fluid
won't stay straight, wanders from 11 to 1
darts
steering wheel jerks when turning it back and forth

It is not unusual to hear a growl like sound at full lock, PS does that, especially if there is any air in the lines. Does it keep growling as long as you hold the steering wheel at full lock or does it stop?

[stemo76]

I don't have any of those symptoms. Just a nasty whine turning right. It starts just before full turn, about a 1/4 before.

I know its normal to get a little noise at full lock but this is the kind of noise that would make people look and wonder whats going on with that car.

Maybe someone put he wrong fluid in it at some point. Guess I will purge what I can out and refill it. I think the correct fluid is Mercon III.

[bcredliner]

Check the engine accessory belt. A loose belt can cause the whining. Another possibility is the power steering pump bearings.

[bcredliner]

Sometimes changing the power steering fluid is the solution. Simple to DIY. Buy enough fluid to drain the reservoir several times until fluid is clear. Start it up each time you refill it and turn the wheel lock to lock several times. A turkey baster works great but dont make the mistake I did by not replacing it before my wife missed it.