Humming Noise Inside The Car

[phini]

Hi! New user here ;)

Car:  Citroen C5 2003, 2.0 petrol.

Well, I'm not from UK, but my car has an annoying problem and I can't find any answers so here I am. 1.5 year ago, while waiting in a traffic jam I've noticed something strange: a hum, low, bass sound changing tone when I move steering wheel a bit left or right. In the meantime steering pump was changed(my first mechanic said it was that pump making noise), but the hum was(is) still there.

 

Few days ago, another mechanic made a second attempt with no success. He is unable to locate source of that noise. I haven't told him everything about that noise, but he noticed, he can only hear it while inside the car with all windows and doors closed. He can't hear it under the bonnet using his stethoscope. It's exactly what I noticed too, so he made a good effort( I think ;).

 

I >think< I can also feel faint vibrations on the steering wheel while the sound changes its tone, but it might be a placebo effect, so I'm not sure about it.

 

The noise is present/audible when the engine idles.

 

Video I made yesterday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJBV0nZlbpA

It's a pretty low volume, but it's audible when I turn the wheel. 

 

I bought the car about 2 years ago and noticed the hum few months later(not sure, maybe it was there earlier). From the previous owner I got info that he regenerated the steering pump about 4 years from now.

 

Has anyone any suggestions? 

 

PS: Sorry about any language/word mistakes I might've made - I don't have much practice :)

Edited February 11, 2016 by phini

[phini]

A little update on the topic:

My mechanic has officialy given up. He told me to go to official Citroen service center - he doesn't know what it is, never experienced anything like this. 

Few months after the initial post my car started to produce another type of noise - whistle - as can be heard in this video - 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rg2owlDJzo

It can be heard while driving at 60kmh with radio off. 

 

I hope I will post another update with a proper diagnostic soon :)

Edited July 11, 2016 by phini

[coastline taxis]

Its going to drive you insane and cost you money trying to trace the humming noise. the best way to fix it is to put it down to the fact that its a 13 year old car and has a bit of character. Or if money no object then get a pressure test done on the power steering pump to make sure it has the right flow rate.  If you have  directional headlights check the ASR ecu under the center consul.

[paul.h]

I could not hear the latest noise in the video. On the first one, in the middle of the dash is a hole with slots across - have a listen to see if the noise is from there since behind the hole there could be a humidity/temperature sensor with a fan built in that makes a noise.

[mikeparkins]

Hi,

Whenever I hear that same annoying humming/whistling sound in my C4 l slowly accelerate up to about 25 mph open the door and kick her out.