power steering whine

[TMM]

Hey guys, lately my VY (which has just hit 120,000ks) has been making a faint high pitched whining sound when turning the wheel - it varies in pitch with the speed that you turn the wheel. It's quiet enough that you can only hear it with the radio off. It also *seems* to shudder a bit more then usual at full lock. Otherwise it feels fine, the steering isn't heavy or anything.

I recently had some bushes changed by Pedders and on their report they've put "power steering fluid burnt & badly discoloured". The fluid itself looks fine to me, it's still a clear red colour, if a tiny bit darker then fresh transmission fluid?

edit: it's probably also worth noting that it's not leaking any fluid and the level is fine. Also the noise sounds like it's coming from inside the car as i can't hear anything from outside the car.. I did a search and someone said it could be the bushing where the steering column goes through the firewall or something?

So what's the go, should i change the fluid or is the PS pump dieing on me?

[scozz76]

Probably where the column goes through the firewall. Spray it with silicon spray and see what happens. Nothing major, even if the pump is f**ked. I've rebuilt many of them.

[colgf]

My VY Calais S/C v6 has similar whine when turning the tiller. Wasnt aware of the firewall bush , but I will give it a squirt & see if it goes. But I kinda like the whine noise anyway, it sounds like the blower winding up!!!!!

[TMM]

I tried lubing the column around the firewall. Didn't seem to work.

It seems to only make the noise after being driven 5-10minutes, so it's probably the fluid.