Very wierd feeling in steering wheel and noise.

[GaryFenza]

Hey guys, I have a 2003 GP GT 122K miles. It seems as though, whenever i make a left hand turn and give the car some gas, it makes a hideously loud "whining" noise, it seems like it is coming from the altenator, but then i kinda wondered how the altenator could cause the steering wheel to vibrate badly also while i am making the turn, also the car looses alot of power and the rpms' drop, any ideas on what could be causing my problem? thanks.

[BNaylor]

Did you check your power steering fluid level? The pump is located below the area of the alternator.

[GaryFenza]

well......haha, i checked my power steering level, and it didnt show up on the dip stick, so i added some fluid and took it for a drive, it does not make that noise anymore, so it seems, but now i am wondering where the fluid went....i dont see any leaking anywhere around the pump, rack or ground of the car.

[jrmy1krn]

Just check the fluid every day or week. Adding fluid 100x easier then changing the rack or pump.

[richtazz]

The pump is in a stupid place as far as adding fluid, but it' not that hard to change if you have a pulley puller tool (takes between 1-2 hours, maybe a touch longer for a novice). Normally, if the front pump seal is leaking, the belt will be oily and the firewall will have an oily stripe on it from the flinging fluid so the fluid doesn't normally get on the ground. If it is indeed leaking, I would get it changed before you ruin the rack and pinion as well.

[BNaylor]

The other place to look for leaks is at the area of the rack and pinion inner tie rods. Not uncommon for rack seals to leak into the inner accordian boot and not drip to the ground.