Hello again...

120,000 km 2002 2.5 automatic, TC fluid was apparently changed last year when I had the flywheel and alternator replaced. The sound happens when the car is idling, more pronounced on turns and at lower speeds. Lifted the bonnet and it sounds like its coming from the engine, maybe a belt?

Its not the prop shaft bearing iirc, thats a much different sound that I've had with this car as well.

There's a number of threads ive gone through on the forums here as well as some videos, but I just cant pinpoint what it is. Car was fine this morning driving it but suddenly started mid afternoon. Light rain, 20 degrees celsius out.

Any ideas? PS? TC? Differentials? Pumps?

 

Looks like power steering fluid is pretty much empty...odd. Folks say thats exactly what it is, no fluid making that noise, sucking air?

Did some searches on here for recommendations. Dexron III...

Will this work?:

Mobil ATF D/M | Canadian Tire

Asked the autoparts desk and thats what they led me to.

 

Looks like a leak on the right side - power steering fluid. Any ideas why it would leak out? Bad O ring? Is there a chance I might need to replace the entire power steering rack?

 

Does turning the steerring wheel change the sound. It sounds like my car and I pulled the serpintine belt tensioner off, bearing was very noisy. Place a long piece of wood or long screwdriver on the various engine parts and plave your ear on thye end of the handle, the noise will be very obvious when you find the noisy part. Try idler, water pump. tensioner, ps pump, and see what is the loudest.

 

It does change the sound, but its definitely the power steering. It'll drain fully over a day or two, the leak is pretty bad. Having it checked out tomorrow to see the damage to my wallet.

 

Took it to the mechanic, the boot is off the tire rack. Says its regular wear and tear and thats where all the fluid is leaking from. 6 hours labour...$600 part, I dont spend this kind of money on my girlfriend.