The past couple weeks I've noticed, what sounds like low power steering fluid whine. Not so much when I turn the wheel but right after startup at idle. If I turn the wheel the noise doesn't get louder. Question is, if the second Gen has elec. assist and not the traditional hydraulic powered I'm used to, what could the noise be? I'm set to have her checked out next week as a preventative measure, but hoping it's something I can do on my own. Is there some sort of lubrication system associated with the steering that could be low? I've never paid much attention to the system as a whole on my MINI.
All I know is yours is the first post I've read about Gen 2 power steering. Gen 1 has had loads of problems until the Gen 1.5 face lift. Have you looked in your Bentley Manual? Let us know how it works out. Here's hoping it is nothing major. :fingerscrossed:
I don't think so? Will check out the belt tonight, that's a good thought there Metalman. I don't hear any squealing, just that whine you hear when a car is low on power steering fluid, but without the change in sound as the wheel turns. I'll be going under the hood tonight to poke around and listen, look for leaks, cracks, etc. The only reason I think it's steering is because of the sound. Don't know what else would make that noise in this car. Water pump? I have no idea really. Will keep y'all posted!
Yeah, it's not the power steering, the electric motor only runs as you turn the wheel, so it won't make any sound as you're sitting there idling. I would also check the serpentine belt, just for fun.......could be the belt tensioner bearing too If it were a turbo bearing, the sound would not be linear with engine rpms. So if the sound follows the engine rpm, you need to look for something that also does - such as the idler bearing, A/C compressor bearing, alternator and so on.
A good way to find noisy bearings is with a stethoscope....Harbor Freight sells them for $4.00 https://www.harborfreight.com/mechanics-stethoscope-69913.html Or use a long screwdriver, place the tip against something solid near the bearing you want to hear and put your ear over the end of the screwdriver - it will clearly amplify the sounds