I replaced my timing belt last week and since then I've been hearing this whine. I figured it may be the Tbelt tension, so this morning I set out to adjust it. Long story short, I used a screwdrive to ear to locate the sound. It was loudest when I touched the PS bracket. So, I took the PS belt off and started the car and the noise went away. I put the belt back on and the noise persists. I adjusted the tension several times from tight to loose and the noise remains.
So, this must be a sign of PS pump failure right? I don't think it can be the belt itself. I read a post that mentioned rebuilding the PS pump rather than buying a new one. What is involved in this process? Anybody else face this before?

Needless to say I am relieved that it wasn't my Tbelt. I didn't want to tear all that out again.

 

Is it only when you're turning that you can hear this whine? If so, I have a similar problem. I've got a minor oil leak, and when oil touches the PS belt, it starts to whine sometimes. I wouldn't replace the belt if it has oil on it, unless you've stopped the leak first, or it will just do it again to the new belt eventually. A squeal could also just mean that something isn't lubricated enough.

 

The sound doesn't change when turning the wheel. It's just constantly there. Seems not quite as bad when the engine is cold, but dont really know. I do know that when I had the belt off and started the motor I couldnt hear it, so i'm inclined to believe that it's the pump. Anyone with similar problem? Can I just replace a bearing?

 

have you checked the fluid recently?