Power steering whine. - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

I have an '01 986 (non turbo). Ive had it for almost two years and its allways had a whining noise associated with the power steering. Its loudest at idle while turning the steering wheel but its allways present at low rpm's. I have checked the fluid level, it appears to be fine. Has anyone else experienced the same problem and what did they find as a solution? Im hoping to find out that its just a high pressure line vibrating or maybe there is a conditioner I can add to the fluid. Or if it needs a new pump maybe someone has a suggestion on where to get mine remaufacturered instead of buying new. Im new to the forum, thank you everyone in advance for any help. Daume UPDATE ; After doing some google research I have found BMW owners and Mustang owners with the same problem claiming its a result of air in the system. Any Ideas?

Well, since no else is responding -- A noisy PS pump is usually low on fluid - if yours is not then maybe the fluid is not the correct type or your pump needs to be repaired. If it were mine -- 1. drain the fluid and replace with new correct fluid 2. check all fluid line fittings 3. last resort - remove pump and replace the pump part (look at the Pelican parts diagram because there are 2 reservoirs and the pump are all separate parts) perhaps order from Sunset for a good price How can air get into the system and cause the noise - loose fitting? Take care, Ed

Thank you Ed for the reply. 1st. As for the correct type of fluid how would I find out what that is exactly. Call the dealer? Pay dealer price? 2nd. Do I need to buy a shop manual or can I find instructions online on how to R&R the fluid? 3rd. Check fluid line fittings? Can you be more specific? 4th. As for the Mustang and BMW owners that I found elsewhere online with a similar problem. The BMW guy blamed it on an o-ring around the fluid input tube. Ed, you mention 2 seperate reservoirs, is it possible that mine IS low on fluid in the second reservoir and I checked it in the wrong place? I hope Im not appearing too demanding. Again (to everyone) thank you in advance for any help. Daume

Well.......It sounds like you need to find a good Independent Porsche mechanic in your area to check this PS noise problem - or ask the dealer to check it (costly). If you have had the noise for 2 years then it must not bother you too much - might as well leave it alone... IMHO of course... Background -- we tracked our 02S with big R compound tires and caused the PS return line plastic retainer to the pump to melt and blow out the line -- lots of smoke, etc. I had an Inde R/R the pump because it is above my DIY level -$1K. If you want to DIY this or other work I would suggest getting the Bentley manual for the Boxster. Take care, Ed

Thanks again Ed. No magic pill? Oh well. Ok, I will indeed take it to a mechanic, luckily I have an independant mechanic locally who specalizes in German cars. Ill post an update after the repair. Thanks again, Daume