Replaced Oil Switch/Whining

[JonJon68]

I replaced my oil pressure switch last Thursday and immediately after installing, I noticed a power steering whine that was not there beforehand. I had to work around a steel line to line up the oil pressure socket to replace it. Question: is that stainless steel line in that area a part of my power steering mechanism? Note: No power steering fluid leaks and power steering feels smooth and normal.
Thanks for any input / thoughts.

[BNaylor]

Yes. Its either the pressure or return line from P.S. pump to the rack and pinion. Did you check fluid level in the P.S. reservoir?

Originally Posted by JonJon68

Question: is that stainless steel line in that area a part of my power steering mechanism? Note: No power steering fluid leaks and power steering feels smooth and normal.

[JonJon68]

Yes, I checked it while cold and the fluid was right on the cold mark...Strange...I don't remember interacting too much with that line, it was a tight fit getting that socket on the pressure switch...

[BNaylor]

It won't hurt so add some more P.S. fluid until it gets between the cold and hot marks. Then see what it does.

[JonJon68]

I used a turkey baster to remove the old fluid from my reservoir and then used Lucas PS fluid to fill it. It still whines but not quite as bad. There must be a breach somewhere in my rubber PS hose or steel lines/connectors.
Can these systems be pressure checked to find out where?

[BNaylor]

Paul, on the whining is it there at idle only? Hows it sound when you rev it up. Or is it there when you turn left or right? Probably coincidental but you may have an issue with the P.S. pump. Is it the original?

Just in case see link below at our Tips & Maintenance Forum which also has the procedure for bleeding air out.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=652596

[JonJon68]

Hi Bob, yes I used that bleeding procedure. When I start and at idle it can be slightly heard but most noticeable when turning the wheel left and or right. Once the car warms up, I cannot hear the whine at idle but really noticeable when turning. It's not an ear piercing whine but loud enough to know it's not normal and wasn't there before I worked around those lines installing that oil pressure switch.
As far as I know it is the original pump. If that's the case, any suggestions on where to purchase and brand? I know to steer clear of refurbished Cardone. If it's not the pump, would any loose connections, pin hole leaks or rips in the hoses cause this whine? Would hate to replace the pump only to continue having this sound, Thanks again.

[BNaylor]

The most noticeable sign would be a visible leak which from what you said isn't there but doesn't hurt to carefully check all the pressure/return lines from the pump to rack and pinion again. Check for possible fluid leakage at the rack and pinion accordian rubber boot area. Normally if you had a leak especially with the engine running it would be squirting out since it is under pressure and very noticeable.

Best thing on parts is to check with Rich if you want GM OE or AC Delco. Good luck!

[JonJon68]

Will do and thanks again!