Digital2k10

Hello all,

Recently I have identified a potential issue with my power steering and wanted to get some opinions on it. Since I purchased the car less than a year ago (G37S Coupe 6MT, 16k miles at the moment), I noticed that occasionally, the engine produces a 'whine'-like sound when it is running between 1.5k and 3k RPM (while driving straight/turning etc). I was able to determine that this sound is triggered by...driving the car hard and that it is most likely coming from the power steering pump. For example, the car will sound absolutely normal on a regular day while cruising. I would then smash the gas and go through first and second gear till 7k RPM after which the engine will start producing the 'whine'-like sound between 1.5k and 3k RPM. Driving it hard triggers the noise every single time and all it takes is one or two revs near the redline. The 'whine' is also very audible while idling and turning the steering wheel in either direction (again, after one or two high revs). Again, everything sounds normal when the car is not pushed hard.

My question is...any idea what would cause it? I strongly suspect the power steering pump, but why would it get triggered by a single high rev and what could possibly be wrong with it? I will bring this up at the next service appointment, but would like some feedback just in case I get the usual 'it's normal' line.

Thanks

mezzo

iTrader: (7)

You know, I have the same exact issue in my 11 G37S Sedan. Only 26k miles on mine. Haven't complained about it yet. Curious to know what it is as well!

RISKY GUY

iTrader: (9)

Sounds like its time to change your power steering fluid.
IMO, when you smash the gas the fluid could be shifting around in the power steering reservoir.
With such low mileage/age, doubt your rack & pinion is bad.
Had rack & pinion replaced on my 08g37 coupe, when it was in a major accident though.
If it is the rack, it's covered under warranty.

JMS2000

Similar issue here, but only noticeable in cold weather. I'm bringing it in tomorrow. I specifically asked them to check the drive belt, tensioners, and power steering components. I'll post an update tomorrow night.

Digital2k10

I thought about the power steering fluid, but at 16k miles...I don't know. It's at the correct level and it looks ok. Plus, I can trace the issue several months and a good 5-7k miles back. The dealer is next door to my office, so I will probably take it in next week since my next service is a while away.

After doing some research, it appears that it can be any of the following or even a combination of:

PS Pump
Belt
Tensioner
Pulley
Other PS component

I'll also provide an update when I get it figured out.