Low power steering fluid = freaky sound

[Loutorious]

Hi, love this forum and helpful members. I've definitely learn lots.

Had my 05CTT for about 2 years now and always a thrill to drive. Yesterday after a 2 days snow storm I started it like always and noticed louder than usual cold start up with a kinda whiny WOMMmmmmm sound. Thinking maybe its the belt and drove with extra attention to the sound. The whine disappeared after about 30 minutes of driving and back to normal. Today during cold start up the same WOMMmmmmm and now I am really freaked but was in a hurry so did not investigate more until I was at my destination. While driving I noticed the WOMMMMmmm was louder as I turn the steering wheel so when I looked under the hood the first thing I checked was the power steering fluid level. My heart skipped a beat when I saw the reservoir was almost empty – last time I checked was more than 1 year ago and when I serviced the car last there was no note from the dealer. I was pondering for like ½ hour whether to drive it to the nearest dealer or not; I did but each turn I was wincing like something might fall out, haha, the sound disappeared by now. I got to the dealer and got power steering fluid and since I’m there brake fluid also, $65.00. I was thinking It must be 1 quart low or something but only took about 1/4. I never noticed a leak so must be normal absorption? Anyway, hope tomorrow will be a better day and there is no permanent damage.

While at the dealer, Manhattan Porsche, Bentley and Lamborghini, I noticed the rate was like $145 or $195 / hr. Not sure what my usual dealer rate is but no problem since warranty over so never looked into it. Maybe look for a Porsche, VW dealer in NJ rate will be lower.

Happy Holidays

[wvicary]

If the fluid level is low it must be going somewhere. The steering rack boots can fill over time so check those first. Keep an eye on the level over the next few months to understand the rate of usage.

[kbull88]

I had a similiar situation last year. I filled up the reservoir and then a few days later the whining came back. I took it to my indi and he found that I had a leaking hose. Keep an eye on it, I heard that the Petrosin power steering fluid is flammable and the power steering pump is right above the engine. I have heard horror stories of fires because of the power steering fluid sprayed on a hot engine and caught fire.

[Loutorious]

Thanks for the info, the flammable part is scary. I will definitely keep check the fluid level very often the coming days. Where is the steering rack boots anyway? Thanks

[wvicary]

Rack boots are just inboard of the outer tie rod ends. They are a flexible, black rubber bellows that protects the machined surface of the steering rack. All oil is flammable but a greater concern about the P/S fluid is how quickly it ruins plastic and rubber hoses even with the smallest amount of leakage.