Troubleshooting Power Steering Whines and Groans in a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe | The Motor Guy (2024)

When you hear whines and groans from your 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe’s power steering, begin by checking the power steering fluid level. Locate the reservoir under the hood marked with a steering wheel icon.

Use the dipstick with ‘MIN’ and ‘MAX‘ markings to check the level. Add recommended fluid if below ‘MIN’ to prevent noise while turning. Monitor fluid levels regularly for proper maintenance.

What You Need to Know

  • Check power steering fluid level using dipstick for ‘MIN’ and ‘MAX’ marks.
  • Inspect power steering pump, belt for leaks, damage, or unusual noises.
  • Verify proper power steering system bleeding to eliminate whining or groaning.
  • Address low or dirty fluid promptly to prevent potential issues.
  • Look for wear or damage in steering components to prevent noise.

Check Power Steering Fluid Level

Troubleshooting Power Steering Whines and Groans in a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe | The Motor Guy (1)

To guarantee proper functioning of your Hyundai Santa Fe’s power steering system, start by checking the power steering fluid level.

Begin by locating the power steering reservoir, usually labeled with a steering wheel icon under the hood of your vehicle. Remove the cap from the reservoir and use the dipstick attached to the cap to check the fluid level.

The dipstick will have ‘MIN’ and ‘MAX’ markings; make sure the fluid level falls within these markers.

If the fluid level is below the ‘MIN’ mark, it’s important to add the manufacturer-recommended power steering fluid. Use a funnel to prevent spills and carefully pour the fluid into the reservoir.

Checking the power steering fluid level is vital as inadequate fluid can cause issues like a whining noise while turning the steering wheel.

Regularly monitoring and maintaining the proper fluid level will help keep your power steering system in good condition and prevent potential problems.

Inspect Power Steering Pump and Belt

Inspect the power steering pump and belt for any signs of leaks, damage, or unusual noises. Begin by checking the power steering pump for leaks or damage.

Look closely for any visible signs of fluid leaks around the pump. If you notice any leaks, address them promptly to prevent further issues.

Next, examine the power steering belt for wear, cracks, or misalignment. Make sure that the belt has the right tension for peak performance.

A loose or misaligned belt can lead to power steering problems, so adjustments may be necessary.

Keep an eye out for any unusual noises coming from the pump or belt during operation. Addressing these issues early can help prevent more significant damage to the power steering system.

Verify Power Steering System Bleeding

Troubleshooting Power Steering Whines and Groans in a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe | The Motor Guy (2)

If you’ve noticed whining or groaning noises coming from your Hyundai Santa Fe’s power steering system, verifying and addressing any air pockets through proper bleeding is essential for peak performance.

Air pockets in the power steering system can lead to decreased performance and potential damage if left unattended.

Bleeding the system guarantees proper fluid circulation, which is vital for smooth steering operation.

It’s highly recommended to follow the manufacturer-recommended bleeding procedures to effectively resolve power steering noise issues.

Regularly checking and bleeding the power steering system can prevent future noise problems and help maintain peak performance.

By following the correct bleeding procedure, you can eliminate air pockets and ensure that your power steering system functions as intended, without any whining or groaning noises.

Be proactive in maintaining your power steering system to avoid more significant issues down the road.

Address Low or Dirty Fluid

Keep your Hyundai Santa Fe’s power steering system running smoothly by promptly addressing low or dirty fluid levels. If you neglect the power steering fluid, you may hear annoying whining noises and experience decreased performance.

Here’s what you can do to make sure your power steering system stays in top shape:

  • Regularly check your power steering fluid levels to prevent issues.
  • If the fluid is low, top it up with the manufacturer’s recommended type.
  • Consider flushing the system and refilling it with clean fluid to eliminate any contaminants.
  • Address any signs of dirty fluid promptly to avoid further damage.
  • Keeping your power steering fluid clean and at the correct level can help prevent costly repairs down the road.

Look for Wear or Damage

Troubleshooting Power Steering Whines and Groans in a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe | The Motor Guy (3)

To ensure the peak performance of your Hyundai Santa Fe’s power steering system, carefully examine the steering components for any signs of wear or damage.

Check the power steering pump, hoses, and belts for visible damage that could lead to a whining noise.

Inspect the steering gear assembly and rack for abnormal wear patterns or loose fittings that may be potential sources of the noise.

Make sure to look for worn-out or deteriorated power steering fluid, as this could also contribute to the groaning sound you’re experiencing.

Eliminate Air Bubbles

Inspect the power steering system for air bubbles as part of troubleshooting potential whining noises, ensuring peak performance and noise reduction.

Bleeding the power steering system is essential to eliminate air bubbles that may have entered during repairs, fluid changes, or component replacements. Proper bleeding guarantees top-notch performance of the power steering system.

To bleed the system effectively, turn the steering wheel lock to lock with the engine running to expel any trapped air. Here are some key points to keep in mind when dealing with air bubbles in the power steering system:

  • Bleeding removes air bubbles causing whining noises.
  • Air bubbles can infiltrate during repairs or fluid changes.
  • Proper bleeding enhances performance and reduces noise.
  • Turning the steering wheel helps expel trapped air effectively.
  • Eliminating air bubbles is vital for resolving power steering issues promptly.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Troubleshooting Power Steering Whines and Groans in a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe | The Motor Guy (2024)

FAQs

Why is my power steering pump groaning? ›

If your car lets out a groan when you turn the steering wheel, your power steering pump is going bad. This pump will last approximately 100,000 miles before it needs to be replaced.

Why does my steering wheel make a groaning sound? ›

Groaning is one of the most common signs that your power steering pump is going bad. You will hear the sound when you turn the steering wheel to navigate corners and steep turns. Depending on how bad the power steering pump is, you may hear the groaning even when you only turn the wheel slightly.

Why does my power steering whine but no leak? ›

Trapped Air In The Power Steering Fluid Or Pump

It's possible the whining noise is simply coming from trapped air bubbles in your power steering fluid. If you suspect this is the case, you can confirm it by removing the cap from the power steering fluid reservoir and checking if any bubbles or froth has formed in it.

How do I stop my power steering from whining? ›

It can be difficult to diagnose air bubbles trapped inside the pump. We recommend a power steering fluid flush to drain the fluid and get rid of any air bubbles. We then pump fresh fluid back into the system. Some power steering pumps may get noisy with age, but continue to work well enough.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Otha Schamberger

Last Updated:

Views: 5948

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Otha Schamberger

Birthday: 1999-08-15

Address: Suite 490 606 Hammes Ferry, Carterhaven, IL 62290

Phone: +8557035444877

Job: Forward IT Agent

Hobby: Fishing, Flying, Jewelry making, Digital arts, Sand art, Parkour, tabletop games

Introduction: My name is Otha Schamberger, I am a vast, good, healthy, cheerful, energetic, gorgeous, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.