Steering Pump Noise when turned...

[laatdillon]

Dealership told me that my 06 TJ...and all wranglers...make steering pump cavitation noise, sound like it is low on fluid....when turned to lock either direction, ....Their Service department insists, that even though the noise did not start until around 8000 miles...and now is embarrassing pulling out of my driveway.....at 20000 miles......anyone out there having a lot of pump noise??

 

[tazsean]

loose belt? you could also check the fluid.

 

[gearheadmb]

Most power steering pumps do make noise at full lock and that is normal but you should only hear it there. If it is making noise when steering in the middle of its travel you probably have a pump going out.

 

[SteelHeadz]

Cold temperatures may contribute to a power steering noise but will go away after the fluid warms up. Check the fluid level as mentioned by Sean. Aeration in the fluid will indicate a leak in the system or an issue with the pump. It's inevitable for the noise to occur if you turn the steering from the lock to lock position as the pressure builds up.