Thread: Failing power steering pump?

I searched and couldn't find anything on this.

What does a failing power steering pump sound like?
More specifically, is the pulley bearing the common point of failure?
I've got excessive power steering pump noise but don't want to replace it if it might be something else.

It sounds like a slight rattle/grinding and chatter.... At first I thought it was the beginning stages of rod knock. I want to say it took about 2 weeks before it comepletely failed and froze on me. Mine was from an idiot misake though... I would just replace it, because there is no notice when it is about to go, and just does - I had to cut a belt on the spot and bring it home... and unfortunately thats the same belt as the water pump... so the car will heat up instantly trying to limp it anyhere.

Then maybe something else is wrong. It sounds like the power steering is struggling at any turn of the wheel at low speeds and it ramps up in volume as the power steering does more work.

Hmm...

Whining noise from the motor like a power wheel that is about to die. That's what it should sound like.

Yah I'm pretty sure it's on it's way out.
And just when I thought I was done with maintenance for a while and I could get ahead on actually making it better.

^Does it leak? If so, get it topped off as much as possible. That will help it to have a long slow death till you source anther one lol. Trust me, I know from experience.

I'm not sure. I'll check. Would explain a lot of oil crud on that side of the engine/bay. =/

^What about the passenger side wheel? If so, keep it topped off to prevent early lock up. I have to top mine off weekly. I keep a quart in my trunk at all times.

Yah so, it ended up that my power steering fluid was just stupid low. All better now. =D

heheh but you searched. Probably should have started by popping that top

Mine whines a lot, and has for awhile. All SE-Rs seem to have a drip from the reservoir. Got a B14 one on the way.