Hi,i have just bought Audi A496 1.8Ltr and power steering makes whining noise but no leak found,please help,thanks & cheers.

hi robin.
The first sign of fluid leaking from the power steering is a pump whine, because the fluid is low, the pump will start to make a whine noise, especially when turning the steering wheel.
If you think you may have a car power steering leak, the first thing you should do is check the power steering fluid reservoir, if the fluid level in the reservoir is low, you just might have a leak in the power steering system.
Power steering fluid has a very distinctive smell, it smells like a burnt marshmallow, that is my opinion on the smell, and I'm sure you will not find that documented anywhere on the internet or any repair manual.

If you feel the steering in your vehicle binding up, or the power steering pump starting to make whine noise, it's a good sign your power steering fluid level is getting low or it's empty. Running the power steering pump with low or no fluid could be very damaging to the entire power steering system because metal particles from the pump enter the system and cause internal failure of the steering rack and to its valve body or to the steering gear box.

The pump is cooked, needs a new one

Doesn't matter you have a leak

You should have stopped using it
when you first noticed the leak & had
it resolved,now you may need a new pump

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!

or check this link out for more info on this matter.
Power steering whining sqreeching Google Search

These are real bad about having bad pumps, and bad leaking hoses. Make sure you still have good fluid and no leaks. Most likely it just drained again through a bad hose. If good fluid then pump is bad again. If your steering rack was bad it would be leaking real bad as well.

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 whining noise you are experiencing are coming from under the bonnet and you need to have the belt serviced. look for any oil leaks and correct them first. if not inspect the condition of the belt and and whether or not you can read it normally. if not it should be turned around. sounds absolutely crazy i know. it has worked for me for about 10 years. it could be just worn and excessively glazed and cracked. simple fix bloke. cheers.

Check your power steering fluid level. Also inspect for leaks and the condition of the belt that drives the power steering pump. Could be a loose or damaged belt, loss of fluid and air in the system, or you pump might be going.

tazvtaz: If you only hear this noise when turning, I would start with the power steering assembly. 1.Check to verify if you have the proper level of power steering fluid first, if not add fluid as required. 2.Chekc for leaks around the power steering assembly, power steering hoses and replace or repair as required. 3.If the problem still exists, then your power steering motor may be on it's way out. You can verify if the noise is coming from the power steering assembly by having an assistant starting the car (in park)and turning the steering wheel, while you observe the operation of the power steering motor and determine if this is where the source of noise your are hearing is coming from. If you have found this information helpful, please vote for this reply, thank you.

Before you replace the pump, check the filter located inside the oil tank. This filter cleans the oil before going to pump. REMEMBER that Audi uses a special oil!!! Not your normal power steering fluid! Mixing them could cause damage to the entire system!