Loud "whirr" on turn?!?!

[Uber E30]

So when im making a really hard right hand turn i get a very loud whir that sounds like its coming from under the cluster or in the general area of the steering column. The noise sounds similar to a table saw when its not cutting something. I though it was a wheel bearing but the noise stayed for a little bit today after i came to a full stop. Any ideas?

[george graves]

Low power steering fluid most likely. Check your fluid, and only use quality ATF. If it cost less than $2, don't use it.

[kamotors]

my car kinda doing the same thing, I just went and looked at the power steering fluid and its pretty watery/thin I topped it off with ATF hopefully it will stop. check you power steering fluid and see how it looks.

[gearheadE30]

ATF is fairly thin. There is a filter integrated into the reservoir, and sometimes it can get clogged, especially if it is original. A bad or worn pump can also make noise, and this almost seems more likely. Low fluid and/or a clog will cause cavitation and the sawing noise.

[Uber E30]

Awesome thanks guys.

[Uber E30]

Ok just checked the fluid, the level is fine but its all watery and dark gray now. Whats the best way to drain it? Was thinking just siphon out the res and refill but there would still be fluid in the rack.

[z31maniac]

Meh, I'm lazy. Lots of oil change places will do a power steering system flush.

[jlevie]

The easy way to change the power steering fluid is to;

1) Suck all of the fluid from the reservoir with a suction gun or turkey baster.
2) Refill with fresh fluid.
3) With the engine idling, cycle the steering from lock to lock several times.
4) Repeat 1-3 until a total of three quarts have been used. To really clean the system separate each cycle with a day's driving.

Once the fluid has been changed, at each oil change suck the fluid from the reservoir and refill with fresh for a continuous "mini change".

[Uber E30]

Thanks