Is this normal?

1. darrenscerri L-plater Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 44 Citroen Saxo 1.1 2001

   #1 11th May 2011, 13:39

   Hi everyone,
   got a Mk2 1.1 Saxo with PAS. Is it normal that the PAS pump makes a whistling sound when it's on? The sound changes when I turn the steering wheel and can only be heard if the car is idling and the stereo is off. The car only has 32k miles so I don't think the pump is failing! I've heard that a failing pump will make a loud whining sound and will cut out every now and then.
2. 0_sax-magnet_0 Infrequent Poster Joined: Feb 2009 South Wales Posts: 101

   #2 11th May 2011, 16:12

   Well, the revs will drop when you turn the steering wheel is that the noise you can hear?, maybe ?
3. dan_dan_the_saxo_man Frequent Poster Joined: Dec 2009 England Posts: 574 1998 saxo 1.1 sx 2001 saxo vtr

   #3 11th May 2011, 16:13

   im imagine thats what hes on about, mine does the same thing, its the motor you can hear i believe?
4. 0_sax-magnet_0 Infrequent Poster Joined: Feb 2009 South Wales Posts: 101

   #4 11th May 2011, 16:13

   If that is the case then there shouldnt be a problem because they all do it...
5. 0_sax-magnet_0 Infrequent Poster Joined: Feb 2009 South Wales Posts: 101

   #5 11th May 2011, 16:14

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by dan_dan_the_saxo_man im imagine thats what hes on about, mine does the same thing, its the motor you can hear i believe?

   Yes thats right mate
6. darrenscerri L-plater Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 44 Citroen Saxo 1.1 2001

   #6 11th May 2011, 16:33

   I know that the revs will drop but even when the steering wheel is still, you can still sort of hear the PAS pump work (a thin whistling sound). The tone changes when the steering wheel is moved so it definitely is the pump. But I believe this is normal for the pump to make the noise when its on?
7. dan_dan_the_saxo_man Frequent Poster Joined: Dec 2009 England Posts: 574 1998 saxo 1.1 sx 2001 saxo vtr

   #7 11th May 2011, 16:34

   ye its normal lol
8. dan_dan_the_saxo_man Frequent Poster Joined: Dec 2009 England Posts: 574 1998 saxo 1.1 sx 2001 saxo vtr

   #8 11th May 2011, 16:34

   o wait hang on, engine revs?
9. dan_dan_the_saxo_man Frequent Poster Joined: Dec 2009 England Posts: 574 1998 saxo 1.1 sx 2001 saxo vtr

   #9 11th May 2011, 16:35

   by how much?
10. darrenscerri L-plater Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 44 Citroen Saxo 1.1 2001

    #10 11th May 2011, 16:39

    it can only be heard when it's on idle as if I rev up the engine, the engine noise would be too high to hear the PAS pump! It's not irritating me atm, but just to see if it's a sign of the pump failing.
11. LSOfreak Saxperience Addict Joined: Jan 2008 west london Posts: 13810

    #11 11th May 2011, 16:44

    when it gets really loud then its a sign that its failing. well thats what mine did. i wouldnt worry about it tbh, just drive it until it fails, you may be surprised how long it can last
12. 0_sax-magnet_0 Infrequent Poster Joined: Feb 2009 South Wales Posts: 101

    #12 11th May 2011, 16:45

    No i think thats normal i wouldnt worry too much, specially as you said its only done like 32,000 miles, im sure it will be fine mate
13. dan_dan_the_saxo_man Frequent Poster Joined: Dec 2009 England Posts: 574 1998 saxo 1.1 sx 2001 saxo vtr

    #13 11th May 2011, 16:45

    o right ye, its bound to take a minimal amount of revs off the engine dup to it needed more electricity for it to work, just like when you turn the de mister on at idle
14. 0_sax-magnet_0 Infrequent Poster Joined: Feb 2009 South Wales Posts: 101

    #14 11th May 2011, 16:46

    But i suppose they are french lmao...joking
15. darrenscerri L-plater Joined: Feb 2011 Posts: 44 Citroen Saxo 1.1 2001

    #15 11th May 2011, 16:55

    Cheers! After a little reading through the net I found that it's normal for electric PAS pumps to whine a bit, even when on idle. My previous car (306) didn't have this whine so that's why I thought that the noise is a bad sign.
16. 0_sax-magnet_0 Infrequent Poster Joined: Feb 2009 South Wales Posts: 101

    #16 11th May 2011, 17:06

    No Problem mate, All the best
    
    Alex
17. 0_sax-magnet_0 Infrequent Poster Joined: Feb 2009 South Wales Posts: 101

    #17 11th May 2011, 17:07

    The reason you didnt have it in your 306 is probebly because you just couldnt hear it because the 306 is a bigger car and has more sound proofing from the engine than saxos lol
18. Stevo123 Established Member Joined: Apr 2009 Redcar Posts: 1971 2000 Posi Blue vtr

    #18 12th May 2011, 14:40

    306 uses a mechanical pump. revs drop as the motor has to work harder when the system requires pressure, this in turn puts a strain on the alternator which will momenterily (spelling, sorry) make the idle speed dip before the ICV compensates and smooths out the idle again.
19. ChrisandCarly Infrequent Poster Joined: Apr 2011 Truro, Cornwall Posts: 124 Mk2 vts

    #19 12th May 2011, 14:48

    my pump failed this morning, ive had a whining noise for a week now, i pulled in to the carpark with the engine running, literally tapped the pump with my palm of my hand and it is working better than ever now lol. temp fix i think though
20. 0_sax-magnet_0 Infrequent Poster Joined: Feb 2009 South Wales Posts: 101

    #20 12th May 2011, 14:59

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by ChrisandCarly my pump failed this morning, ive had a whining noise for a week now, i pulled in to the carpark with the engine running, literally tapped the pump with my palm of my hand and it is working better than ever now lol. temp fix i think though

    Haha the French way lmao
21. ChrisandCarly Infrequent Poster Joined: Apr 2011 Truro, Cornwall Posts: 124 Mk2 vts

    #21 12th May 2011, 15:22

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by 0_sax-magnet_0 Haha the French way lmao

    fecking french lol. at least i can drive thru town without the constant whine. it was so bad people were actually laughing at me i think!
22. 0_sax-magnet_0 Infrequent Poster Joined: Feb 2009 South Wales Posts: 101

    #22 12th May 2011, 15:23

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by ChrisandCarly fecking french lol. at least i can drive thru town without the constant whine. it was so bad people were actually laughing at me i think!

    Haha, Awwww Fuming well atleast its sorted mate

    1 user thanked this post: ChrisandCarly