Power Steering high-pitch sound

[topspin]

I just got my new 2011 M3 GX w/CP a couple of weeks ago.

After about 2 days, I started it at night and noticed a sound that I don't believe I had heard before. It is very low and begins as soon as you touch the steering wheel after powering up the car. It then persists as you drive. It is quite low so you hear it only if it's not too noisy outdoors.

I took it to the dealership. The mechanic got in the car. We closed the doors and had the windows closed. He then heard the noise. I was nudging the steering wheel and the noise would pitch up and down. He told me not to worry about it and to mention it during my 1st scheduled maintenance in 4 months.

I'd just like to know if everyone else hears this sound. I will try to take a small video so you can hear it. It just does not seem like a normal sound to me. I don't remember hearing it the many times I test drove the M3 or other car models.

I also hear like a high pitch sound coming from the tires as I accelerate in 1st gear. I will try to get that recorded too. That one might be more normal.

[alho]

I just got my new 2011 M3 GX w/CP a couple of weeks ago.

After about 2 days, I started it at night and noticed a sound that I don't believe I had heard before. It is very low and begins as soon as you touch the steering wheel after powering up the car. It then persists as you drive. It is quite low so you hear it only if it's not too noisy outdoors.

I took it to the dealership. The mechanic got in the car. We closed the doors and had the windows closed. He then heard the noise. I was nudging the steering wheel and the noise would pitch up and down. He told me not to worry about it and to mention it during my 1st scheduled maintenance in 4 months.

I'd just like to know if everyone else hears this sound. I will try to take a small video so you can hear it. It just does not seem like a normal sound to me. I don't remember hearing it the many times I test drove the M3 or other car models.

I also hear like a high pitch sound coming from the tires as I accelerate in 1st gear. I will try to get that recorded too. That one might be more normal.

Maybe the sound is your power steering pump which I think is normal...

[dentinger]

or your power steering fluid is low.

[Fuyuzora]

The power steering in the Gen II Mazda 3 is electro-hydraulic - it's a combination of a traditional hydraulic system, with an additional electric assist.

My 2010 Sport GS whines when I turn the wheel as well; I'm 95% confident that the sound is simply the electric assist at work.

[XTOTHEL]

same sound here in a 2010 sport.

[topspin]

I had checked the power steering fluid right away. It was topped off properly. Car is brand new so everything was checked by the dealer. I also posted on mazda3forums and they also say it's normal. I guess I just hadn't noticed it when I first picked up the car. I noticed it only later at night when it was quieter. Glad to know my car is working normally :) Thanks for the replies. I love the steering feel of the car btw. Definitely one of the nicest attributes of the car.

[Flunk]

Yes, I think they all make a very quiet high-pitched noise. I rarely notice mine because it's drowned out by pretty much everything. I also think that it's gotten quieter as my car got a bit older but that might just be my ability to ignore it increasing. For my money it's still a lot quieter than the traditional power steering pumps that make a loud whiny noise when you turn the wheel to full lock.