Noisy Power Steering Pump

[jasper]

I have a 2002 C2 with 147,000 kilometres. It has a factory reman engine installed at about 70,000 kilometres.

My power steering pump is noisy. It makes that typical whining/whirring sound and it's been there since I've owned the car (one year). I have managed to ignore but at a recent autocross it started howling as I exited the stop box. Bad howl while turning the wheel several turns, not so much on less than one turn. Back on the road at normal operating temperatures later it settled down.

Now I can't ignore it so I have the following questions:

1) Anyone else have noticeable power steering pump noise?

2) Would a fluid change help me ? ( I was going to suck out as much as I can then refill it...turn the wheel lock to lock a few times to bleed any air).

3) What fluid is recommended.

Thanks gents. I will cross post on Rennlist.

jasper

Edited June 15, 2010 by jasper

[Loren]

If it is making noise then at least bearing is shot. Replace it before it spews oil on a hot engine and starts a fire or you lose power steering while driving. That's my suggestion.