I have a new sound that is totally rpm dependent. It is not the 30mph whir nor the ~7omph whine.
This sound only appears after I have been driving at least 20 minutes. It is more apparent at low speeds (10 to 40mph), but volume goes up and down with rpm. I'm wondering if it is power steering pump as it does not seem to come from transmission
I can best describe it as "nnnnnnnng"
I am going to try and get a sound recording.

 

Could it be tire wear?

 

not tires - it is not speed dependent. Totally rpm based

 

Copy that... kinda like a bad water pump on a chevy.

 

whats your mileage? Is the AC engaged? Could be Water pump, PS pump, Alternator Bearing issue. or could be Idler pulley bearing.

Also do you have a Aftermarket sub? are your RCA's running near the Power wire?

 

2005 with 165K
AC on auto
no aftermarket

Just odd that sound does not appear until at least 20 minutes of driving.

 

Check power steering pump fluid level. For that matter, check all the fluid levels.

 

I just had it in for regular service a few weeks ago and all fluids should have been checked/topped.

That said, I am Going to check fluids especially power steering

Adding: Sound was there before service, so was not a result of someone forgetting to fill up a fluid. (thinking of Heavy's situation)

 

turn off AC and see if it goes away then process of elimination work each area. or once sound comes apparent then stop and see if it will make the sound with a Nuetral/Park Rev. have a friend with a long screwdriver and place it on PS Idler pulley bracket ( BE VERY CAREFUL) and have them listen through the screwdriver and the sound should be easier to track down with the screw driver

 

Thanks for tips
Will update later

 

A little more info
Sound does not go away when AC turned off.
Got a vid on phone - will edit tomorrow and post. On way home, I had to make a stop that required parallel park. Sound kept up when in reverse and sound seemed to intensify during prallel park at very low rpm. Leads me to believe it is power steering pump.
Was going to check fluid, but car is still hot right now. Is the powere steering reservoir at front of engine compartment on passenger side? If so, Have to take some plastic off to get to it.

 

should be on the passenger side by the washer jug

 

thanks - yes that's the one I was thinking of

 

Mine does the same thing - and has for a while. Sounds just like a bad power steering pump whine (but not quite as bad) and doesnt seem steering based - as far as I can tell. Also only heard at lower speeds. 5 to about 25 mph.

2006 with 70,000 mi.

 

Maybe some Lucas additive will help.

 

Just checked power steering fluid level. Pretty low.
Pisses me off since I just had service done a few weeks ago

 

just looked at paperwork from service
Specifically states power steering fluid checked
Think I will head to the Dealer later today

 

Back from Dealer
So there is evidence that the pump is leaking. They topped it offf and the sound disappeared on drive home.
However, I am still betting that the Tech did not check the fluid level on the last service. The sound was there before service and did not disipate after. Furthermore, if the Tech noted that the fluid was low during service, I would think he would look for a leak. What Service dept would not look for opportunity to replace a bad part.
I'm going to monitor and see how long it takes for fluid to drop to "sound makijng" level.

Advisor says that replacing pump is $650. Is this a DIY type of job?