Power Steering Constant Wine

[scottymf]

Hi all, I'm a newbie to this forum and wondered if anyone can help with this.
I hear a constant wine in the car even when the other half isn't with me.
It's from the power steering, it doesn't get any faster with the engine speed but does change pitch when turning the wheel,
The noise does switch off after about a minute when the engine is running and the wheel isn't moved.
It's kina driving me nuts, so can anyone point me in the right direction.

[Chrispb]

 

Assuming you have hydraulic power steering have you checked the fluid level?

[scottymf]

Yes, there is plenty of fluid.

[Chrispb]

If the belt tension and fluid are correct it's almost certainly the pump is worn.

[scottymf]

I thought it would be the pump, but I would have thought the wine would change pitch with the engine speed, but it doesn't. Although that is an assumption. At least if it is the pump then it's easier to change than a rack!

[Chrispb]

Something else you could check on before removing pump is the alternator clutch pulley, it's purpose is to minimize the reverse loading on the belt and usually accompanied with the odd shrieking noise like slipping fan belt.

To test the clutch pulley you need to remove the drive belt then locate the fan blades through the slots in the alternator body.
Carefully insert a screwdriver through the slot to contact the blade now try to turn the pulley anticlockwise, if you can't turn the pulley with just a slight resistance then the clutch is U/S.