Noisy power steering pump
 

I noticed this with my old 1998 3.7 which I didn;t have very long, annoying whine from the PAS pump - most noticeable between 1-2k rpm but just lived with it.

My new to me 2000 3.7 quattro made the same noise but even louder when I bought it. So system flushed, strainer cleaned and correct fluid made no difference at all. Fitted a used pump as I was getting some other parts, maybe a slight improvement but still there and still annoying! :mad:

I know part of the problem is that the rest of the car is sooo quiet that any noises are not drowned out but this can't be right.

Anyone had this?

Are you sure it's power steering pump noise and not aircon compressor noise? Try turning off the aircon or putting it into economy and see if the noise lessens or goes

Or the auxiliary coolant pump, a well-known source of noise. Had to disconnect that on both my D2's.

To check if it's that turn the ignition off and press the "Rest" button which turns the pump on (and the ventilation fans, but you can slow those).

Definitely power steering noise. I have sent my original pump for testing at a specialist. I will report back on that. :)

Well I sent my original pump to a specialist for testing, they called me and confirmed it had a whine. I gave them the go ahead for a rebuild and asked them to test it afterwards. It's back on now and whining away just as before. Really at a loss with this one now, it really spoils the driving experience.

I am going to run it with some clear hose on the return pipe to see if there is any air getting in there...