My '97 Type R has suddenly started whining slightly when I turn the wheel to the left. I topped up the fluid which didn't appear to be really low anyway but this hasn't helped. Its especially loud when the car is cold and gets quieter after a while.

Any suggestions guys?

 

i had the same problem with mine but i very slightly overfilled it and the whinning stopped(that was about 2 months ago ).it has just started to make some noise again so i must have a very small leak somewhere.I was told to take the power steering cap off and turn the car full lock oneway and then the other and look to see if any bubbles appear in the fluid,this would tell you if you have a leak.
Hopefully someone will give you a better solution to the problem

 

I've got this with my current ver6 and also had it with my old ver4.

It gets worse the hotter the car gets and is really annoying. Sounds like you're running straight cut gears its a proper loud whine.

I'd love to know why it does that or more imp how to cure it?

 

mine has started whining too but I only really notice it at very low speeds, i.e. during a 3 point turn etc, maybe it happens all of the time but I just can't hear it

windyboy

 

checked mine today and even though it was registing full ,i put some more in and it slowly went down,few bubbles came out and then kept topping it up,so yours may be the same

 

Ditto on Windyboy, time to dig out the fluid then!

 

on my mates wrx i noticed this also when i drove it (when nearly at or on full lock) and more when it was cold. we cheaked the p.s fluid and the level was where it should be also the belt looked ok, a few weeks later he was on the way to work and the belt snapped on him.

 

i ve had this and the level loks right but when you put mor ein it will take then drop again a bit like an oild filter when you fill them and then it drop and you fill it again but i think i must have a little leak on mine as it started again i think its just time to repalce the pump

 

Thanks for all the replies guys, i'm gonna do the 'cap off and check for bubbles' test tonight and see if that shows anything

 

Removing air means holding at full lock, both sides, for about 30 seconds.

The whine could also be caused by a worn bearing....often resulting from overtight belts. New bearing/seal kits are available from Subaru dealers.