Power steering noise

[chrishewett]

I have always had the usual noise from the power steering when turning the wheel. A while ago I noticed a humming noise which started after the engine had been running for a few minutes, without turning the wheel. This is quite loud. It seemed to be coming from one of two metal pipes on the timing belt side of the engine. While having the waterpump changed the power steering belt was removed and the noise disapeared.
Any ideas? Is the pump on the way out or would changing the fluid help?
Any help, as always, gratefully received.
Chris

[lotuselanman]

I have always had the usual noise from the power steering when turning the wheel. A while ago I noticed a humming noise which started after the engine had been running for a few minutes, without turning the wheel. This is quite loud. It seemed to be coming from one of two metal pipes on the timing belt side of the engine. While having the waterpump changed the power steering belt was removed and the noise disapeared.
Any ideas? Is the pump on the way out or would changing the fluid help?
Any help, as always, gratefully received.
Chris

Is it a screeching noise, especially when you turn it full lock? And does it screach sometimes when you are on the freeway? If so it might be due to the belts being loose, or maybe you need to change your belt. Mine did that when my belt was loose... If it's just a hissing noise then that's normal...

[GeoffSmith]

Chris, I had a rattle at tickover which turned out to be one of the metal PAS pipes vibrating against something fixed; I cured it by bending the pipe ever so slightly. It sounds like you may have had the same issue which has been resolved by moving something when the waterpump was replaced.