noisy power steering pump

[henryan]

I went to do the regular service today, the technician reports that the power steering pump is noisy. especially when the steering is turned full left or full right.

He said it's because my power steering fluid was low and it hurts the pump. And he suggested me to replace the whole power steering pump stuff.

I don't have problem on turning the steering wheel. Wondering if I really have to spend money on this.

(Mine is a 1999 SE model)

[tenspeed]

Just keep the whole power steering pump stuff filled up and when the wheel goes all the way to the left or right, let up a little so the pump doesn't work so hard.

Don't do full lock reverse donuts in the snow either.

[henryan]

The technician filled up the fluid today, but the noise is still there. :(

If the pump is dead, should I realize it immediately during the driving? Cause I can still steer fine, I don't know if I really need to replace the power steering pump.

[tenspeed]

You may want to read up on how to change the pump. They're not supposed to make noise all the time. You can hear some noise if it's all the way to the end of its travel.

When it goes, I would expect some noise and then the car will steer real hard.

[Bentley813]

Is it cold out? Mine makes terrible noises for the first 5-15 minutes of driving when it's really cold outside. If it happens all the time then theres is a problem.

[henryan]

I didn't try it with cool engine, when I go to do the service, it's already warm.

[nice96gt]

Mine has made a noise for over a year and it still is fine for steering. It whines more when it's cold outside. Try adding some Lucas powersteering treatment and see if that helps at all. If it does, great, if it doesn't, then you can either deal with the noise until the pump goes or you can replace it. A brand new pump with resevoir I think is only around $80.