I am just wondering if I need a new power steering pump. Just recently got a new engine in the car so this is my first time having it run in the winter. Only had it since last summer. The reservoir has plenty of fluid, just a hair more than "Full Cold" but I think it's alright. From the inside of the car, it IS a constant chatter you can hear, but not TOO loud. Also on accelerating you hear more whine than you do the normal rumble of the engine.
On first start up, it turns fine and doesn't feel stiff. Other times while driving, it IS stiff you have to grip pretty hard to steer. Also at an idling stop, you can feel in the wheel erratic slipping. There is no squealing though.
For example:
Once it got warmed up the other morning during driving, I got to a red light and I was sitting for a minute or so. (Keep in mind it was early morning and COLD) And I heard a sort of grinding noise you could say that would come randomly while idling at the light. Once I accelerated it stopped.
I was at another stop and I decided to turn the wheel at idle and it chattered and whined and bogged the engine down it seemed. There was also a rattle/shuddering sound I assume from the engine being under pressure.
So I'm wondering if it's time to go ahead and buy a new Power Steering Pump?
If so, is A-1 Cardone a good pump and I can just use my pulley? I was looking at this one from Rock Auto: http://cardone.com/English/club/memb...ARTNUM=2055859 It's $61.79
Thanks!
P.S. It's really funny we have a 1994 Jeep with same power steering pump and same miles as the GP yet the GP is a 1999 and chattering and whining. Thank you GM.
