Noise in Power Steering Booster
5 Causes of Noise in a Power Steering Booster
Noise from the power steering booster is often a warning sign of wear or malfunction. Left untreated, it can lead to expensive repairs and unsafe driving. Here are the most common causes:
- Low or contaminated fluid – Insufficient lubrication increases friction and produces whining or groaning noises.
- Worn or damaged steering pump – A failing pump often creates high‑pitched whines or grinding sounds.
- Air trapped in the hydraulic system – Bubbles cause vibration and squealing when turning.
- Loose or worn drive belt – Poor tension makes the pump noisy under load.
- Faulty steering rack or valves – Mechanical faults lead to squealing, knocking, or resistance when steering.
👉 Related issue? See our guide on Tight Steering Wheel.
Whining usually points to pump or fluid issues, squealing often indicates a slipping belt, and knocking can suggest rack or valve wear. If noise increases at low speeds or full lock, check fluid level and belt tension first.
How XADO Solutions Help
- If the problem appeared due to wear of the system, it is advised to change the hydraulic fluid by using the corresponding XADO fluids. After this procedure, it is advisable to conduct the treatment of the system by using one of the following products:
- In case of a decreased amount of fluid level, it needs to be filled up. You need to eliminate the source of the leakage.
- In case of decreased tension in the drive belt, it is recommended to figure out the reason first. If it is caused by wear, the belt should be replaced, and if this is an improper tension, it should be adjusted. In order to keep the belts in good condition, it is advised to use Verylube Belt Reconditioners.
- If there are any faults in the steering rack or steering mechanism, they should be replaced. It is recommended to treat the steering wheel system in diesel trucks with XADO AMC Maximum Diesel Truck for the power steering booster at least once in 30 – 40,000 miles.
- In case of an air occurrence in the system, it is better to seek professional help to fix the problem and eliminate air leakage.
Revitalizant EX120 for power steering booster is created to prevent wear and restore hydraulic equipment in general. It has an increased concentration of the active agent, which helps to restore the worn surfaces and prevent wear by creating a protective metal‑ceramic coating on the surfaces of the mechanisms.
Preventing Future Steering Noise
Regular maintenance and XADO treatments help prevent recurrence of noise in the power steering booster. 👉 Explore more solutions in our Problem Solving blog series.
Properties
- Eliminates wear of the pump
- Removes any difficulties with steering
- Increases power steering performance after 30–60 miles of run
- Decreases the noise and vibration level of the hydraulic system pump
- Prevents wear
Application
- Add the content of the product, warmed up to room temperature, in the tank
- Turn on the engine, wait 2–4 minutes and turn the steering wheel for 5 minutes
- After about 50 hours of the mechanism's operation, revitalization cycle is complete. It is advised to dissolve the product in a small amount of used hydraulic fluid before using it. In case of contamination of the fluid, it is recommended to change it before treatment.
Note
You will be able to see signs of the beginning of the revitalization cycle by a significant improvement in the functioning of the steering mechanism. There will be decreased steering effort, improved precision and decreased noise level after about 60–120 miles of run.
Extra Tips
- If noise worsens at full lock, avoid holding the wheel at maximum angle for long periods.
- After belt replacement, recheck tension after a short break‑in period.
- Post‑repair, test steering at idle and low speed to confirm noise reduction before highway driving.