Noise coming from steering

Hey all, im getting a noise from my steering, almost like an electric saw going through stone/brick kind of sound, it happens while driving or just turning the wheel left and right..sometimes its just plain embarassing, sometimes its bearable. My fluid is just below the line, but im not sure if a top up would cure this, is the pump on its way out?

Aux belt slipping perhaps

That is on the service item list of things to do, but it still has life in it...its a very peculiar sound, only really happens when i turn the wheel. Like a saw sawing through something...bloody embarassing

Are there any bubbles in the p/s reservoir when you turn the steering

Not that im aware of, i will go and check that right now. Does it matter if the car is warm/cold?

No bubbles whatsoever, just a swirling in the reservoir. The fluid is lower than i thought also...but im not sure if the noise is because of the low fluid or because the pump is on its way out as a result of the low fluid

Whats the fluid condition like, is it nice and red or brown and stinking?

Its almost black

try bleeding the system

I think the fluid definately needs changing, as does the filter at the bottom, will also replace the o-ring, as there is some black stuff leaking underneath the pump...although that may be oil from my cam covers....they need changing too do you guys think i will be needing a new pump at all?

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I will definately bleed the system, as soon as i get some new fluid in there

I think the fluid definately needs changing, as does the filter at the bottom, will also replace the o-ring, as there is some black stuff leaking underneath the pump...although that may be oil from my cam covers....they need changing too do you guys think i will be needing a new pump at all?

 

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I will definately bleed the system, as soon as i get some new fluid in there

Pump should be fine

Its almost black

Then theres your problem. Give it a good flush with nice clean fluid and that should sort it.

Ok brill, thanks for all your help guys, Dnk, heckler & Swampy - much appreciated!

Check the power steering cooler lines, often there is a small piece of pipe that can leak about 6-8 inches down from the banjo connection.

The hose can be seen on the left hand side of the first picture in this thread: http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/showthread.php?267134-Power-steering-relocation-setup-cooler

It might appear okay, but then the system is pressurised when the steering wheel is turned and it can leak. Worth checking.

Edit: The hose is located on the left hand side(low down) of the engine bay as you stand at the front of the car. Think it's easier to remove the air box etc to get access.

It shouldn't be Black nice cherry red colour so change it asap