Whining noise that stops when you turn the wheel on a 01 chevy prizm

failing alternators are famous for noise. Does it change pitch when you turn on a bunch of accessories, or turn the steering wheel? Could also be either water pump or power steering. The are the three most common culprits. Check your fluid level in the power steering. Usually if power steering the noise will change when you turn the wheel. Listening under the hood may help you to determine area noise is coming from more clearly.

If its an automatic, torque converter or front pump whine.

What is whining? Could be several things. Here are a couple of ideas.... Check Power Steering fluid level and transmission fluid level. However, if it is making noise while driving, it could be a wheel bearing. Good Luck.

fords are notorious for this problem . the noise your hearing is air trapped inside the pump . try to bleed the system by slowly turning the sreering wheel from stop to stop . if you still have a problem it might just need a new pump . very inexpensive easy fix

Take it to a qualified repair shop .

the noise happens running down the road or parked? Is the car a four wheel drive? The alteanator can go bad and whine, the wheel bearings can go bad and whine, windows not fitting right can make a whine The altenator will stop whining if it's unplugged, if this fixes it the battery and the altenater need tested and a bad battery can make the altenator whine and it still be OK. Don't run the engine with the battery disconnected as this can blow alot of expensive stuff and the altenator.

normally, the only part of your automatic transmission that will make a whining noise is the pump. it usually whines when iether the fluid is low or more commonly when the transmission oil filter is getting plugged up.

the power steering pump will also make a whining noise too.

turn the wheel all the way to the right and hold steady pressure against the stop. this puts maximum force on the power steering pump and, if the power steering pump is the one making the whine, it will change the sound of it. (usually louder).

if the trans pump is making the whine noise, it should sound different in neutral compared to drive. this test will really only work if it make the noise without the vehicle moving. if it wont do it at idle hold the rpms at 2000 or so.

if you decide the noise is coming from the transmission, and the transmission filter has not been replaced (assuming you installed a used transmission), replace the filter by removing the oil pan.



oh and also, if it is the power steering pump you should be able to make it make the whining noise while the vehicle is stationary. if it wont make noise unless its moving its not the power steering pump.

Dear Screech And Whine......What you have described is definitely a power steering concern. And yes the fluid is low.....thanks for the accurate problem description!! You are correct on the filling the fluid part also......but keep in mind that if your power steering fluid is lo that you might very well also have a ps leak too.You can do a visual check and trace all of your ps lines to make sure that no fluid is escaping anywhere.....You ae more tha welcome to get back to me if you have any further questions...HOPE I COULD HELP!!!

A power steering pump will whine if it is low on fluid, when you turn the wheels you will hear the whine or if the power steering belt is to tight you will also hear the whine. You will not hear this whine when the truck is stopped.

sounds like the power sterring pump check valve is failing because it only when you turn, try to turn the wheels standing still to verify the noise, if noise present, replace the ps pump.