This might seem silly and I am probably just going to answer my own question but the other day I was pulling out of a drive thru and my wheel wouldn't turn it was super heavy and difficult to turn. I turned my car off and restarted and the problem was gone!?? Then this morning the same thing happened as I was parking!! Could this be a huge problem or do I just need power steering fluid?

 

Did you check the level?

 

The power steering pump is electrical/ you could have a bad connection or the cooling fan is failing and it's overheating. Or the pump itself is failing

 

I checked the levels and it looks full but it also looks muddy!?? How do i know whether its an electrical problem or just the fluid levels? Do I just change the levels and just wait and see?

 

Is it bubble muddy or dirty muddy. Muddy is not good. Change it and see what happens.

 

it's dirty muddy, almost black!! Im waiting on the power steering fluid because i ordered the Pentosin CHF online. Also, is there a filter?? And where exactly is the electrical pump and cooling fan?

 

under the car center

 

so if i raise the car i'll be able to see it? Sorry if this seems stupid to you im a 21 yr old female and I just started learning all this stuff. I like to work on my car myself but i want to make sure im doing it right so thanks for all the help!!

 

yes jack up and secure it with jackstands dead center there is a round grate

 

I've encountered this same problem twice now, with the power steering failing in a parking lot or driveway restart. The issue with our car began about a month ago with an intermittent chiming noise -- kind of a cross between a ringing in your ears and the old department store elevator dings. The chiming kicks in soon after engine start, then it's off and on depending on whether we're going straight or turning. It's intermittent going straight and solid going round most corners. And sometimes it just plain goes away. I'm gathering from forums that this could be a full-on pump failure about to happen?

We have a 2006 R50 with 28K on it, bought it just over a year ago, and as I say, the steering-related noise didn't start until a month or so ago.

Any ideas, suggestions appreciated.