91 Q45 - Steering "Whine"

[fhatfield]

Hi Guys,

I'll preface this with the fact that I am not a car guy at all, but I'm trying to learn more about this stuff. So, any advice or guidance you can provide is MUCH appreciated.

I have an older '91 Q45 that I inherited from my grand father. Overall, it seems to be running pretty well, except for a "whining" noise that seems to be related to the power steering. I suspect that it may be leaking steering fluid, as at one point the power steering was really awful, and by adding some more fluid it improved drastically. Any advice on how to go about troubleshooting it to figure out the exact cause of the problem?

Also, a side question. The manual recommends a higher grade fuel than the typical 87 octane. Is this a valid recommendation? Does it really require a higher octane fuel?

Thank you so much for any information you may be able to provide!

[black g50]

Did you put power steering fluid in or transmission fluid?Check all hoses for leaks?Look under car at axles for leaks from busted boots?Yes you need to put 91 in,although I have put in 87 to 93 and have not noticed a difference.Just pay the extra cents.As other members chime in,they will tell you if you do not have money to maintain car it's not for you.Think it was quoted at $3000.00 a year to keep one in tip top shape.

[fhatfield]

Did you put power steering fluid in or transmission fluid?

Power steering fluid

Check all hoses for leaks?Look under car at axles for leaks from busted boots?

I'll check this out. Do you mean a visual inspection? Or is there a better way to test for leaks?

Yes you need to put 91 in,although I have put in 87 to 93 and have not noticed a difference.Just pay the extra cents.As other members chime in,they will tell you if you do not have money to maintain car it's not for you.Think it was quoted at $3000.00 a year to keep one in tip top shape.

Gotcha, thanks for the advice.

[Q451990]

Leaks on the high pressure side will show up when you have the steering wheel turned to a stop... I had a leak on my old Q that I never noticed, becuase it was spraying out of the bottom of a hose - but only under a load.

Heath

[black g50]

I believe it takes ATF not power steering fluid.

[Q451990]

I believe it takes ATF not power steering fluid.

That's correct.

[fhatfield]

I believe it takes ATF not power steering fluid.

ATF? Forgive me, as I'm mentioned, I'm a newbie.

[black g50]

Transmission fluid.