Key takeaways
- A whine when you turn is often a low fluid level, air, a worn pump or a loose belt. Check these first.
- Many newer cars have electric power steering with no fluid to treat.
- XADO says EX120 Power Steering is designed for hydraulic systems with wear. It does not repair leaks or broken parts.
A whine or howl from the front of the car when you turn the steering wheel usually points to the hydraulic power steering pump. Below are the usual causes, what to check yourself, and what XADO says its power steering treatment does.
Why does power steering whine?
In a hydraulic system, a pump pushes fluid to help you turn the wheel. When something is off, the pump works harder and makes noise. The usual suspects:
- Low fluid. The pump sucks in air and howls, especially at full lock.
- Air in the system, often after a leak or a repair.
- Old or dirty fluid that no longer flows or lubricates well.
- A worn pump, which gets louder and heavier as the car ages.
- A loose or worn drive belt, which squeals rather than whines.
- A leak at a hose, the pump or the steering rack.
What to check first
- Check the reservoir level with the engine off, between the min and max marks. Your manual shows where it is.
- Look at the fluid. Dark, burnt-smelling or foamy fluid needs attention.
- Look for wet patches under the front of the car or around the hoses.
- Listen for when it happens. A howl only at full lock points to the pump. A squeal on start-up points to the belt.
Top up only with the fluid type in your owner's manual. If the level keeps falling, you have a leak, and a top-up only hides it.
Not sure what is wrong? Ask an authorised XADO workshop to check the steering first.
Find a workshopWhat XADO says its power steering treatment does
The XADO product guide lists EX120 Revitalizant Power Steering for older cars with hydraulic power steering whine or heavy steering. According to XADO, it is designed to:
- stop pump howling caused by wear;
- reduce steering effort and pump noise;
- show an improvement within 50 to 100 km.
These are XADO's own statements. The idea is the same as in XADO's engine and gearbox treatments: revitalizant particles settle on worn metal, and heat and friction help form a protective layer. How XADO works explains the method. Results depend on the condition of your pump and steering system.
What no additive can do
- It will not stop a leak. A leak needs a new hose, seal or pump.
- It will not repair a damaged steering rack or a failed pump.
- It will not replace old fluid when the fluid needs changing.
- It does nothing for electric power steering, which has no fluid.
If the steering suddenly becomes very heavy, jerks, or you see fluid pooling, do not wait. Get it inspected.
When it makes sense to ask about one
Ask about a treatment when the steering works normally apart from some whine or extra effort, the fluid level is right, there is no leak, and the car has hydraulic steering. It suits an older car that you plan to keep. If your gearbox also feels tired, the gearbox additive guide covers that side, and the XADO product guide shows the whole range.
How to get it done in Singapore
- Confirm your car has hydraulic power steering from the manual or the workshop.
- Ask an authorised XADO workshop to check the fluid level, condition and any leaks.
- Say you want XADO and name the product: EX120 Power Steering. The workshop adds it and tells you the right amount.
- You can also see the product online: EX120 Revitalizant Power Steering.
FAQs
Why does my power steering whine when I turn?
Common causes are a low fluid level, air in the system, a worn pump, a loose or worn belt and a leak. Check the fluid level first, then have a workshop look at the rest.
Can I just top up the fluid?
Topping up to the correct level with the fluid type in your owner's manual is a sensible first step. If the level keeps dropping, there is a leak and it needs a proper repair.
Does my car have hydraulic power steering?
Many newer cars use electric power steering with no fluid reservoir, so there is nothing to treat. Older cars often have a hydraulic pump and a fluid reservoir under the bonnet. Your manual or a workshop can confirm.
What does XADO say its power steering treatment does?
XADO describes EX120 Revitalizant Power Steering as designed to stop pump howling caused by wear and to reduce steering effort and pump noise, with improvement noticed within 50 to 100 km. These are XADO's own statements, and results depend on the condition of your steering system.
Can an additive fix a leak or a failed pump?
No. XADO does not repair broken or worn-through parts. A leaking hose, a damaged rack or a failed pump needs a repair.
