Steering System Noise Definitions: Whine
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Montego, 2006 Ford Freestyle, and 2006 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Whine is the general air-borne noise of the P/S pump. Whine is in the frequency range of 1 kHz to 4 kHz. Whine is generated when engine rpm, pump rotational natural frequency and pump/bracket natural vibration frequency align.