2000 Windstar Power Steering

Hi,
I have a 2000 Windstar XL and my power steering is whinnnnnnnnningggggggggg. It is driving me crazy. It has plenty of fluid in it and there are no leaks. The power steering functions normally and it is easy to steer and turn. What could be the problem?

Make sure it's not one of the other pulleys.

My '99 had a rack seal failure (a common failure on that model) while I was on vacation. Luckily (I believe), I had been emptying and refilling the reservoir with Valvoline "Syn-Power" steering fluid at every engine oil change for some time. I had to buy whatever I could find on the road to try to keep the system wet. However, the pump was allowed to go dry because I couldn't keep up with the leak. The pump became really noisy ... and stinky!

After returning and getting the rack exchanged, I started refilling again with the Valvoline. It didn't happen overnight but the whinning eventually went away. The rack failed at approx 45 kmiles I believe. The original pump is still going strong at 180 kmiles.

I also keep the level a bit on the "high" side to make sure small bubbles don't develop.

I had the same problem, but the fluid was fine. The dealer says there is a leak in the pump, air is getting in and causing cavitation. They say I need a new one $540 Cdn. + labour.