Saying Hey And Ask A Question

[K2164]

Hey guys new to the forum so let me start off with saying howdy. I just have a (hopefully quick) question. I picked up a 97 ls400 around august and its been running pretty well. Recently I've been getting a whining/grinding noise from the power steering. When idle or driving straight theres a slight whine but when I turn its like I let the bulls out the gate haha, its starts howling and I hear a grinding noise while I turn. I figure its a belt and maybe some bolts or pinions need tightening or whatever just thought id run it by yall first. Thanks.

[LEXIRX330]

Welcome to the club!

Have you checked the power steering fluid?

[VBdenny]

The PS units whine a lot when they are low on fluid which is fairly common.

[K2164]

hah I feel dumb because I havent checked it, Ill have to go give that a look. I dont think that would cure the grinding situation though?

[killerFatty]

you'd be suprised! i once let my p/s pump leak just a bit too long without refilling it, and it howled, whined and grinded. The resivour was near dry, but once I refilled it it was next to perfect. I ended up replaceing the pump 3 weeks later because of the leak, so I cant really tell you how, if at all, it causes premature wear and tear.