Just purchased a wrx 1999 lovely car, has had engine, turbo, clutch and flywheel changed, but i noticed a whine coming from the engine bay, on closer inspection it appears to be coming from the motor or pump next to the alternator, is this the power steering pump ? is a constant whine when i rev it rises, but when i turn steering wheel full lock it doesnt seem to make any odd noises.. so not sure if it is the power steering pump ?

its the pump to the right of the alernator, sat near the front radiator at the top, large pump, ive grabbed a stock pic.. X marks the noisy pump, what is it ??

thanks

 

Sounds like the PAS pump yes, have you checked the level. Has the belt been changed recently?

 

thanks, ive now added a pic of a stock photo, but marked X where the noisey pump appears to be, i will check the power steering fluid tomorrow, the belts where changed ( i assume ) when the engine and bits was changed 31k ago..would they feel slack if they needed changing again ?

 

AHa, that is the Aircon pump mate not the PAS. Just check the belt is not over tight as it can screw the bearings.

Pic wasnt there before lol

 

cheers fella will check in morning, and loosen if i can, if not is it a simple in and out change ? im 99% sure its that making the noise, i guess it should get worse if i turn the air con on should it ??

thanks

 

Try spraying some wd on it may just be dirty. To change it (the pump)would need a regas but just a few bolts hold it in place easy enough mate.

 

mine makes a little noise when i switch mine on as its engaged when its on it will be under load

 

thanks fella, any instructions on how to replace the pump that you know of, if i have to ?
cheers

 

The releasing of refrigerant gasses is illegal. If you are going to replace the aircon pump yourself you will need to get it de-gassed, remove the refrigerant, then get it re-gassed after fitting the replacement pump.

 

when you say spray some wd40 on it, do you mean the belt or the pump and its workings ?
thanks

 

This is what makes forums like this so good I got my can of WD40 and started the car, the whine was there, sprayed the belt to the Air con pump, no difference, sprayed the belt to the pump next to it, I assume its the alternator is it? and hey presto the whine stopped , albeit for a minute or so, but at least now i know i need to replace that belt, and not the unit and have it regassed..
many thanks for your helpfull advice..