I have a '97 RL with 125,000 miles on it. I recently replaced my power steering pump and lately I've been hearing a ticking sound when the car is idling/running. You can only hear it from outside but it sounds like it is coming from the power steering pump area and it is an intermittent problem. I took the car to the dealer for an unrelated problem and asked about this sound and they recommended replacing the upper anchor bolts. I find it hard to believe that this will solve the ticking sound I am hearing. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I found out what the ticking sound was. It was a cracked power steering pump pulley. I'm glad I didn't continue to ignore this. It was just a matter of time before the whole thing broke.

Here's a picture

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL20/572993/15623895/237504479.jpg