Xavier Smith II

Fresh reservoir, fresh fluid, I’m still having a bit of a whine at startup, but it goes away after awhile.


Any suggestions before I replace the pump?

Jasonoff

Likely a bad seal in the rack. Fluid is moving chambers when sitting letting air enter the system that runs through the pump at start up.

Once it primes it's fine.

Xavier Smith II

Might explain the loud popping noise.



Are Soap and water ok to use to check leaks?

Jasonoff

You can see if it's leaking visually. Pull the boots and inspect if it's not coming from any of the hoses. If nothing external it could be an internal leak.

EDIT: I misread. I thought you replaced the pump as well. If it's whining then going away it could be the vanes in the pump not making a seal right away.

NZ-Merc

I don't think it will be the steering rack unless the fluid level is decreasing which means the fluid may be leaking in to the steering rack boot, or it may be a leaking hose somewhere.
For peace of mind a good look over the hoses in the system for dampness/leaks, cleaning and re-inspection as required.

Make sure the fluid level is correct before you start it up.

I think at this stage you need to be confident it is not belt noise or related to another pulley the belt drives, if you are 100% in that order a new pump.

Xavier Smith II

The line that comes immediately off the pump is bad.