Have a 2.2 lit 99 legacy wagon (170,000 mi). Steering operates fine but lately have noticed a whining sound from the steering pump wheel but only while idling. Is the pump starting to fail?????

you suspect power steering issues and haven't checked the fluid level?

how's the belt tension?

 

yeah, pumps start to whine and need replaced. they are so easy to replace, not high failure items, and cheap to buy used that replacing with a new one is as good as tossing cash in a meat grinder.

 

fluid loss or overly tight belts can strain and wear the bearing causing the pump to fail.

 

the oring at the base of the reservoir should be replaced when you swap in another pump. they're very easy to replace.

They can also be rebuilt cheaply and easily.

thanks for the info, will take closer look

i've had steering pumps whine for a long time. keep them full on fluid and i would suspect they won't fail any time soon.