Hi guys I recently got an used Mazda 3 with 98k on it so I decided to do some preventative maintenance. I was changing the serpentine and stretch fit belt today and after I finished I looked around to see if any of the fluids were running low. The power steering fluid was low and there was a whining noise coming from the area where the pump is located. I know that a power steering pump running low can make a whining noise so I filled it up to the max line and made sure to turn the wheel left and right several times to mix the fluid. The whining noise is still present so I did some search and some people say that it is normal. I just want to know if it is a normal noise. I will upload a video I took to try to capture the noise. I'll also upload a video I found on YouTube that sounds like the noise I have. Just wanted to know if the noise is normal or if I should be worried about an incoming doom of a failed power steering pump. Thank you guys.

Link to video I took: https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...xaAniP-3AyvGzg

Link to video from youtube that sounds like the whine noise I have:

 

How did you go with this man? Just bought a Mazda 3 yesterday, and noticed the same thing (hence joining this forum!) Haven't had a proper look at it yet though, what was your fix?
Kms (Australian) are almost exactly the same for me.

 

You can minimize the noise by applying a different type of power steering fluid. The whining is okay as long as it doesn't have any adverse effects like loss in power steering or a leaking fluid.