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Ever since I had a leaking power steering hose replaced there has been a loud whirring/whining noise from around the steering hose area.

The hose was replaced with a larger "tuning wire" to dampen the sound but that has made the noise even worse.

The noise gets louder as I accelerate and also when turning into/out of acute bends (like when doing a U-turn).

The mechanic has come up with all sorts of reasons (such as problem with the transmission!) but no solution to the problem. In fact, the transmission people said the transmission was fine and asked me to see a steering specialist. However, If i take the car somewhere else I will have to pay so I feel kinda stuck.

Can you advise what the problem may be so that I can go to the right people and get it fixed once and for all?

Nick

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 24 December 2009

I could be completely wrong but if the replacement hose is not a genuine part then this could be causing the noise.

Aftermarket power steering hoses are normally a lot cheaper than the genuine part and can create issues such as excessive noise.

I suspect the reason why the noise gets louder when turning is the load being applied to the internals of the hose from the power steering pump. The inside diameter may be slightly different in comparison to the genuine hose.

Contacting a power steering specialist does sound like the best option as your current mechanic is obviously struggling for ideas.

The cost to diagnose the noise may not be that much and if it can be confirmed the noise is being caused by the replacement hose then you may have some comeback on the original repairer.