New Whining (high pitched humming) Sound

[CaribMon71]

Maybe someone can tell me if this issue is urgent or not:

My car has recently developed an odd humming or whining sound. It's mostly apparent during cold temperatures when I first start the car - after it's been off for some hours.

It sounds like the whining noise that steering pumps make on old cars (best comparison I can think of). I already had the steering rack replaced, so I don't think this is a re-occurrence of the steering rack issue (doesn't vibrate). Also, as I pulled out into traffic today and accelerated, the car made a noise as if something was rubbing up slightly against one of the tires (high pitched). It wasn't snow or ice. Usually, the whining (humming) noise dissapears once the car warms up. I don't know if the other noise goes away once the car is warmed up because today was the first time I heard it and I only drove the car to move it for about two minutes; tops.

Please, don't anyone suggest electrical noise coming through the speakers. It is not an electrical noise and it is not coming from the speakers. It's similar, though.

Has anyone encountered something similar yet on these cars? Can it wait until next week or should I take it in right away? Any feedback is appreciated.

[PolarDog]

Funny, last year I was in an accident that cut the lines to my power steering pump, causing the fluid to leak out. Eventually, the performance of the pump degraded causing steering to become a chore. I added more fluid until I could get the lines repaired. Dealer said that the pump was okay and didn't need to be replaced.

In any case, the very first symptom was the whining sound that matches your description. So, perhaps check for a leak, check your power steering fluid, and perhaps see if the effort required to steer has changed.

Good luck!

[CaribMon71]

Thanks for the advice. I noticed the noise is being made only on very cold days, but goes away once the car warms up. I haven't heard it during the last 2 days or so. The other noise was really the same whining - intensified during acceleration. I have to schedule an oil change in the next week or two, so I'll definitely be bringing it in.

I must be one of the luckiest EX35 owners on this forum. My car gets serviced at the shop where Steve the Tech practices his craft!