Whinning noise from transmission when cold and Steering lock - SORTED!!!

[LooneyLeon]

Howdy all,

I noticed a few months a go that when my car was cold I would get a slight whinning noise when pulling off and applying a slight bit of steering lock.

I assumed / hoped the front diff oil need changing, maybe had a slight leak and needed topping up.

Anyway a couple of days a go the whinning got worse and the steering felt a bit notched when stationary.

I checked the ATF (Steering fluid resivour) and sure enough it needed a top up as it was at the very lowest min point.

After spending £6.99 on some new ATF fluid and putting in about 100ml all is well in the world.

The noise has gone and the steering feels silky smooth.

I just need to see if I've got a slight leak in the sterring system now, but I havent noticed any fluid on the drive etc.

Does anyone know of this fluid over time can evaporate? I'm assuming its a sealed system and this is impossible right?

[X5Sport]

Evaporate no, leak yes.  The hoses are a known weak point at the joint ends.  I had mine replaced under warranty.

[LooneyLeon]

Thanks for the reply, ill take a look over the weekend