A groan or whine at full lock is the power steering system asking for attention before it fails outright.
Fluid first, pump second
On hydraulic systems, a whine usually means low or burnt fluid — check the reservoir and look for leaks at the rack and hose fittings before condemning the pump. Newer cars with electric power steering skip the fluid entirely; there, a warning light and heavy steering point to the motor or its wiring, which is a diagnostic job, not a parts guess.
Quick tips
- Dark, burnt-smelling fluid should be flushed, not topped off
- A whine only when cold often means air is being sucked into a line
- Heavy steering that comes and goes is electrical — get it scanned
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