Steering difficult(slow) and a whining noise when turning wheel

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.

Add some power steering fluid problem solved if not replace power steering pump problem solved.

Whinning Causes
The whining noise you hear coming from the power steering pump is one of three things. The first is more of a loud "hush" than a whine; this is the sound of fluid rushing through the bypass valve when you turn the wheel all the way to one side or the other. Sometimes the bypass valve malfunctions or doesn't open all the way, causing pressure to back up in the pump and cause your engine rpm to drop. The second and third causes result from cavitation -- vacuum pockets created behind the rotor's vane blades as a result of extremely high pump action -- or air in the lines.

The power steering pump is bad! God-Bless! or the rack and pinion leaks, check the pump first. the pump whines if low on fluid or bad.

Whining noise is probably in one of the pulleys or belts. Probably the power steering. And the popping is probably CV axles.

hi Eva.
As you turn your steering wheel it is this fluid pressure that aids in turning the wheels of your car. ... If the pump impeller is trying to move power steering fluid and starts catching air bubbles it can cause whining noises and vibrations to occur.
Maybe you've heard it at a stop light. Maybe you've heard it as you pass a car on the freeway. Or maybe you've heard it in the parking lot at work when someone is leaving. The unmistakable whine of a power steering pump can make even the most confident mechanic wonder when that car will breakdown.
Power steering pump noise is a unique noise that your car may make and once you've heard it you always know what it is. The noise is a mix of a whirring and a whining and will always vary with the speed of your engine whether your car is driving or in park. This whining noise can be subtle or extremely loud and may be worse in colder weather, or right when you first start your car.
Power steering pumps are most often vain style centrifugal pumps that are tasked with pressurizing the power steering fluid and pushing it down to your power steering gear or rack. As you turn your steering wheel it is this fluid pressure that aids in turning the wheels of your car.
There are a few reasons why you are hearing power steering pump noise from your car. First, it may simply be due to the design of the pump. Sometimes, noisy power steering pumps can continue to work flawlessly for years after they start making noise. This may simply be due to the manufacture's design or a tight tolerance in that particular pump. In this case, you would hear the noise but not see any other adverse effect like a loss in power steering, leaking fluid or a wobbly pulley. In this case, you may be able to help reduce your power steering pump noise by choosing a different type of power steering fluid, like a synthetic fluid.
Your power steering pump may also be making noises due to air trapped in the system. If the pump impeller is trying to move power steering fluid and starts catching air bubbles it can cause whining noises and vibrations to occur. Even tiny air bubbles you cannot see that are trapping in the power steering fluid may be causing the whining you are hearing. In this case, the best thing to do is flush your power steering system to try and remove the air from the system. Having air trapped in your power steering system can be difficult to diagnose so you may need to simply try a power steering flush to see if it solves your problem.
Power Steering pump noise may also be due to a failing power steering pump. As the bearings on the impeller go bad it will start to make noise as the pump is turning. If you have a bad power steering pump you usually will also experience leaks from around the pulley, a wobbly pulley, or difficulty turning the steering wheel when you are stopped. If you have multiple of these symptoms together, it is probably time to replace your power steering pump.
Lastly, and most usually, a whining power steering pump is an indication of a low fluid level. Your power steering fluid is probably something you have rarely if ever checked, so it often comes as a surprise if the level is low. Your power steering fluid reservoir is also relatively small so even a slow leak will cause a low fluid level relatively quickly. To confirm this is your problem it is as simple as checking your power steering fluid level. Some power steering reservoirs are clear so you can see through them to check how full they are. You may have to wipe away some dirt and grime to find the "full" line, but it should be easy to check. If you have an opaque power steering fluid reservoir there should be a small dipstick under the cap that will help you measure the fluid level. If it is low, then you have a leak somewhere and topping off the fluid should quite down your power steering pump.
If you discover a power steering leak, rather than simply continuing to add fluid every time it gets low, you should fix the problem permanently so you don't have to continue to check your power steering fluid level. Replacing lines or seals can be a surprisingly difficult task due to the location of your power steering pump and steering gear or rack. The easiest way to seal your leak is to do it from the inside out!

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power steering pump probably went out.. if you can easily get at the belt and are any kind of mechanically inclined, remove the drive belt to the p/s pump and then start the car if the noise is gone then its probably part of the power steering pump

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.

check alternator bearings for noise