Power Steering Whines or Feels Heavy

Whining or stiff steering at low speed is almost always a fluid or pump issue — easy to diagnose and usually inexpensive to fix.

Severity: Medium

What to Do Right Now

Check the fluid level cold and warm. If low, top off and look for leaks. If the noise persists with a full reservoir, the pump is likely the next stop.

Common Causes

1. Low power steering fluid: Cheapest first check. Top off with the exact fluid spec in your owner's manual (ATF, DEXRON, or proprietary). Shop power steering fluid
2. Air in the power steering system: Recent fluid change? Turn the wheel lock-to-lock 10–15 times with the engine off to purge air. Re-check level. Shop power steering fluid
3. Leaking high-pressure hose: Wet spots near the pump or rack mean a hose is leaking. Replace the hose and flush the system. Shop power steering hose
4. Failing power steering pump: A pump that whines even with fresh fluid is on the way out. Replace the pump and the reservoir filter (if equipped). Shop power steering pump
5. Worn serpentine belt or tensioner: A glazed belt slips on the pump pulley, causing intermittent assist loss and whine — especially at full lock. Shop serpentine belt