In the past few days, I've had a really weird whirring noise, it sounds like a very loud bearing. I'm almost thinking the bearing in one of the pulleys from the front (power steering, idler, etc.) is starting to go. Any ideas? It does not go away when it's warmed up, btw. Thanks for any ideas!

My power steering pump bearing went at about that mileage - it can be done without removing the pump or the fluid lines - so it's not a major. And it's a standard caged ball bearing too - although I forget the number. Just get the one with double seals if you do go to replace it. Of course it could be alternator bearings too. Or water pump - although unlikely. Worst case scenario timing belt idler bearing.

It's hard to really discern which pulley it's coming from, but probably alternator or power steering. I'll check the play in both pulleys.

UPDATED:

I checked again, and the noise is DEFINITELY coming from the power steering pump pulley. Now I just need to find a bearing!

Any bearing outfit will have one. They're a common type.

 

Just make sure you put the vanes in the pump around the same way they came out & preferably in the same slots too.

 

I actually disconnected my p/s when mine went because I was in another city some 200km from home. I got a shorter belt to run the alternator & drove the car home without p/s. Good exercise....

 

When you refill the p/s reservoir just bleed it by hand by turning the pulley forward & back. Then you won't get the initial shudders.