Power steering pump is whining, I replaced it and the new one whines just as loud. what could be wrong

A loud whining noise on acceleration in a 2010 Mazda Tribute could be a sign of a few different issues. Here are some potential causes:

1. Power steering pump: A whining noise can be an indication of a failing power steering pump. The noise may increase when the steering wheel is turned.
2. Alternator: If the whining noise increases with engine speed, the alternator may be failing. This is because the alternator is responsible for charging the battery and powering the car's electrical system.
3. Transmission: A whining noise during acceleration could also be a sign of transmission issues, such as low transmission fluid levels, worn bearings, or a damaged gear.
4. Differential: A whining noise that increases with speed could also be a sign of a failing differential. This is the part of the car that transfers power from the engine to the wheels.

It's important to have a professional mechanic diagnose and fix the issue to prevent further damage to your vehicle.

Hi Tyler:
Try using a mechanics stethescope (or a dowel sound rod, thumb over end held against your ear) and with the engine running, touch various components. You will hear different sounds, and hopefully be able to isolate the whine.
CAUTION - Work Safe - moving bits can make the sound rod hurt you.
I'd be guessing at an alternator bearing as they whine worse than a puppy on the wrong side of a door.
Cheers

Did you check the fuelid level today? A loud whine indicates low fluid or a defective pump in most cases.

The most common problem with noisy power steering (whining noise) is that the power steering pump is defective. If you replace the pump make sure you flush the system with clean PS fluid or it can ruin the new pump.

Power steering pumps whine when they are low on fluid, or if they are goin bad. Serpentine belts also whine in cold weather or when they are goin bad. Tru spraying just a little WD40 on the belts when its running, if it goes away, you should be thinking about a new belt. If nothing changes, check the power steering fluid, if its full, take to a mechanic

normally, the only part of your automatic transmission that will make a whining noise is the pump. it usually whines when iether the fluid is low or more commonly when the transmission oil filter is getting plugged up.

the power steering pump will also make a whining noise too.

turn the wheel all the way to the right and hold steady pressure against the stop. this puts maximum force on the power steering pump and, if the power steering pump is the one making the whine, it will change the sound of it. (usually louder).

if the trans pump is making the whine noise, it should sound different in neutral compared to drive. this test will really only work if it make the noise without the vehicle moving. if it wont do it at idle hold the rpms at 2000 or so.

if you decide the noise is coming from the transmission, and the transmission filter has not been replaced (assuming you installed a used transmission), replace the filter by removing the oil pan.



oh and also, if it is the power steering pump you should be able to make it make the whining noise while the vehicle is stationary. if it wont make noise unless its moving its not the power steering pump.

The whine is most likely your power steering pump. Check the fluid in the pump. If you are low on power steering fluid you may have a leaking hose or fitting or the seals in the pump may have began leaaking. If you continue to run the auto without power steering fluid you will burn up the power steering pump very quickly.

Reminds me of a Ford where the bearings went bad in the pump. If the whine is definitely 100% coming from the pump, it's probably going bad. Try going to a junk yard that will let you pull a pump from a wrecked 'stang before buying a new pump to see if the problem goes away.

check alternator bearings for noise

that whining noise is definately your power steering pump. the earlier models eg 2001-2003 just have noisy ones. so they say, if that noise become really excessive; its an early warning that its gonna fail. the newer pumps are much quiter, but i was quoted approx 1200+ CND for a new pump. I have a 2003 cooper, and the whining noise is loud. only once has the steering been really stiff, but i resolve that problem by restarting the vehicle. watch out tho, the power sttering could fail on you while your driving around a corner, and if you dont have both hands on the wheel, you'll go strait.