For the last few weeks I've been experiencing an odd whine-like sound that seems to be associated with the power steering. Less than a month ago I installed a Stillen engine damper. As far as I know I didn't damage anything in the install, but anything is possible.Neither of the hoses coming from the bottom of the power steering fluid reservoir are kinked or pinched anywhere from what I can tell. The fluid level seems to be normal.
Anyways, when I move slowly (most noticeable when backing up) there is a new whine-like sound that increases as I turn the wheel and give a little gas.
It's not squeaking, and the steering feels normal, not rough. Also, I think I can hear this same sound very faint when I sit in neutral and give it a bit of gas when not turning the wheel. But the sound definitely increases when I turn the wheel and start to move. I know I'm probably going to have to go to the dealership for this, but they haven't fixed a single thing in the past, and I'm not sure if something might have gotten screwed up when I installed the engine damper. Any advice/help would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
-Mike

 

they only thing I can think of is maybe the gear box going bad if the belts are good and fluid levels are within specs. I'm not sure how to test it though.

 

Check fluid levels for sure.

 

+1

My roommate had a similar issue with a Spec-V and it turned out to be that his fluid level was below Cold-Low.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I've checked the fluid levels, all seem to be ok and I just got an oil change/service a few days ago. No change in the noise. The belts look fine, but I'm not sure that they are 100% ok. I'll take it into the dealer and see if I can get it resolved. I'm just sick of dealing with the usual "I don't hear anything" or "Oh that? that's normal" or my favorite "could not duplicate noise"

 

Oh, and the reason I didn't mention it to the dealer at the time I got the oil change is because I have several other issues I need to have them look into (for the 3rd time) and I didn't want to leave my car there for a couple days this week.

 

They treat you like a bigger idiot if you're a girl... I hate it.