Whine Or Growl Noise From Power Steering System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire and 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Before performing procedure, review visual/physical inspection. See VISUAL/PHYSICAL INSPECTION .
Verify that a whine or growl noise is present. If a whine or growl is present, go to next step. If a whine or growl is not present, system is okay.
Perform the power steering test procedure in order to diagnose a hydraulic condition and repair or replace a component. See POWER STEERING SYSTEM TEST PROCEDURE . If you repaired or replaced a power steering component, go to step 10 . If you did not repair or replace a power steering system component, go to next step.
Using the Chassis Ear (J-39750), inspect the power steering gear for a whine or growl noise. If noise is present at power steering gear, go to step 7 . If no noise is present, go to next step.
Using the chassis ear, inspect the power steering pump for a whine or growl noise. If a noise is present, go to step 8 . If no noise is present, go to next step.
Using the chassis ear, inspect the power steering hoses for a whine or growl noise. If a noise is present, go to step 9 . If no noise is present, go to step 2 .
Replace the power steering gear. See RACK & PINION ASSEMBLY under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. After repairs, go to step 10 .
Replace the power steering pump. See POWER STEERING PUMP under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. After completing repair, go to step 10 .
Adjust the routing of the power steering hoses. After completing repair, go to next step.
Operate the system in order to verify the repair.