Whirring sound when turning left on cold mornings
 

This whirring sound is only when the car is cold. It occurs when we brake then turn right (i.e. stop sign or slowing down at the intersection). Then the whirring sound stays with us 'till we turn the engine off and leave it off for at least a few minutes. It sounds like something with the steering fluid pump?

When the car is warmed up and we take our time turning right the first few minutes, then this sound does not come. This sound does not come when turning left, only right.

Anyone experience this or know what it is? Is it fixable by myself?

Thanks,
Alvin
2001 X5 3.0i

Anyone have this issue or know of any remedies? The title should read turning right, not left.

I'm not exactly sure if I had the same thing, but I kept hearing a noise everytime I just started the car, go to stop sign and make a right. The noise came from the front of the car, but it would not come back after the car was warmed up.

I had a leak in one the hoses for the power steering, got it fixed and hadvn't heard the noise since. I was never quite sure if the power steering fluid/leak was the cause of the noise problem though.... just my 2 cents.

first you need to check if your PS fluid is low. especially if you never change the fluid. just shut the car off and twist the cap open to see it. indicator is on the cap.

Tleong, did you get someone to fix it or did you do it yourself? How much did it cost you?

Flyingmachine, good idea - I'll check the PS fluid level.

if it's low, take the "diaper" off (lower plastic cover under the car, up front. big black cover.). you might find your leak there. PS pressure hose leak is common.

I had a dealer fix it. It costs $500. Two hoses + pump + refill fluid.

doesn't sound right. you sure they replaced the pump and charged you only $500? I think the pump itself costs more than $500....

Where is the PS reservoir?

check realoem.com to see the parts diagram. it should be within something like steering system...