I'm trying to diagnose noises coming from my steering. It whines horribly when turning. I'm not sure if its the power steering pump or the rack itself. The pump was replaced last year, although I couldn't at the time put a new one on there. It was one that came off a running engine that I had bought. The pump its self is not leaking, and I don't see any leaks coming from the rack yet. The steering it self still feels the same. Any solutions or troubleshooting help would be much appreciated. The car has 172k miles.

Thank you

 

Welcome to CL, please post in the proper sub forum your thread has been moved to the maintenance section.
check the level first and top it off if low. then you can try bleeding the system by getting the wheels up in the air and turning it side to side with the cap open on the reservoir. doesn't always fix it though sometimes the pump seals are worn or there is a problem with the rack but generally the rack would be leaking or feel notchy when turning the wheel if damaged. chances are you still have air in the system from when you replaced the pump I would start there.

 

Are you sure it is not your serpentine belt tensioner? If you have a "gatorback" (notched) belt they make a loud humming noise when something is switched on, like the AC, or when turning the steering sharply. Not squealing, but a mechanical humming noise caused by the belt teeth slipping around the pulley.

Gerry

 

Sounds like the pump is cavitating. Check the filter in the reservoir to make sure it's clean.