High-Pitched whining noise steering

[JP1]

Hi everyone,

I’m experiencing an issue with my Lotus Emira and wanted to see if anyone else has encountered this or knows what might be causing it.

Whenever I turn the steering wheel, there’s a high-pitched whining or whistling noise that comes from the power steering system. It only happens when the wheel is being turned—if the steering is stationary, the noise disappears. It’s quite distinct and seems to occur as the pump is engaged under load.

To clarify, this is not the common "creaking sound" that some others have reported. This is a high-frequency sound that’s different in nature.

Has anyone else experienced this or have any insight into what might be causing it? Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Briggo]

It sounds like the steerin pump needs replacing. Others have had the same issue. I had a similar problem and Lotus noticed a leak from the pump at first service. It was eventually replaced under warranty. The noise will likely increase in the meantime. I hope this helps!

 

[Six Speed Stephen]

I only hear that noise when my steering is on full lock, which I'm told is expected.

 

[JP1]

Hi

Thank you very much for your input!

Please see the attached video with the noise, is this also what you have experienced?

According to Lotus/the dealer this sound is fully normal.

 

[Raskits]

Hi

Thank you very much for your input!

Please see the attached video with the noise, is this also what you have experienced?

According to Lotus/the dealer this sound is fully normal.
View attachment 55352

That's not fully normal at all. Had that happen to past cars and it was one of the first signs steering pump failing.

 

[Blackthought_]

No way that’s normal. Sound like a fighter jet engine firing up

 

[Briggo]

Hi

Thank you very much for your input!

Please see the attached video with the noise, is this also what you have experienced?

According to Lotus/the dealer this sound is fully normal.
View attachment 55352

Hi

Thank you very much for your input!

Please see the attached video with the noise, is this also what you have experienced?

According to Lotus/the dealer this sound is fully normal.
View attachment 55352

Hej! This sounds similar to mine when the steering pump leak was identified at first service. Unfortunately the replacement pumps were on back order so the service guys said it would be ok to run the car in the meantime until the part arrived. I ran it for some weeks and the pump became noisier over time which the service guys said would happen but the pump did not fail totally prior to replacement. For peace of mind, I would get your dealership to check the pump for leaks as there were a batch of faulty pumps supplied so several owners have had these replaced under warranty. I hope this helps. Regards

 

[Six Speed Stephen]

Hi

Thank you very much for your input!

Please see the attached video with the noise, is this also what you have experienced?

According to Lotus/the dealer this sound is fully normal.
View attachment 55352

That’s not the noise I hear

 

[JP1]

Hej! This sounds similar to mine when the steering pump leak was identified at first service. Unfortunately the replacement pumps were on back order so the service guys said it would be ok to run the car in the meantime until the part arrived. I ran it for some weeks and the pump became noisier over time which the service guys said would happen but the pump did not fail totally prior to replacement. For peace of mind, I would get your dealership to check the pump for leaks as there were a batch of faulty pumps supplied so several owners have had these replaced under warranty. I hope this helps. Regards

Thanks!

I just informed them, but unfortunately, they simply dismissed it and claimed it’s supposed to sound like that. I’m very doubtful about this. Does anyone have a video/audio clip of a "flawless" car when making similar steering movements?

 

[JP1]

That’s not the noise I hear

But you don't hear this/my sound?

 

[Six Speed Stephen]

But you don't hear this/my sound?

I do not. But i'll check again when Im in the car.