Ok, this is not about the noise when cold! I have already replaced the offending O-ring that causes the whiny noise and I just recently had the recall done that replaces the hose passing from the pump to the rack. I have no leaks that I can find, but the power steering fluid is still getting aerated. If I just let the car sit, it will not start to aerate but as soon as I start to steer, it starts to happen. Is this a symptom of a failing steering rack? Do those O-rings fail? Fluid levels are correct and have not changed over the course of three weeks and there is no change in the steering effort, feel or anything else. I'm not sure where to start.
Thanks, jb

 

So other than that, do you have any difficulty steering? Noise? You say you have no leaks, but air is getting in somewhere if you have bubbles.

 

No, no steering changes other than the aeration and the whine that comes from that. I'm gonna have it off the ground this weekend doing all new brake rotors and pads and a flush so I'll look for something from the rack then. Thanks, jb

 

So there is whine then!

Many people have went through a PS pump rebuild, this fixes most of the problems for noise and difficult power steering if you've done both in and out o-rings. Is your power steering pump especially dirty/grimey/oily? What about your PS steering reservoir?

 

Yes it whines when it is aerating. However, if I let the bubbles die down and don't turn the steering wheel, the whining and aeration does not return. This is why I think it has something to do with the rack or air getting in where I can't figure. The power steering pump is nice and quiet when it's not sucking air. The pump and reservoir are no dirtier than the rest of the engine. There is no fluid or grime anywhere. Thanks.

 

I think I have the same problem. After some highway driving, my steering makes the whining sound like the cold start. My car no longer does the cold start whine. if I don't steer, it doesn't make the sound.

 

Air can't get into the power steering past the pump. Otherwise you'd have a leak. It's high pressure after the pump. It has to be from the reservoir, to the high pressure feed. Most likely internal seal on ps pump. They are notoriously weak.