noise from power steering pump?

[Jrobciu35]

My corolla 2000 has been making a rumbling noise for quite a while. A local mechanic replaced its belt tensioner for me but the noise remains. Do I replace the power steering pump since the noise disappears if the steering wheel is turned to either side at idle? I have good service LPSR: Power Steering Pump - Fluid Leak, Repair, Specialists, Pump Leak but i wanted ask you first

 

[Robert Barney]

My corolla 2000 has been making a rumbling noise for quite a while. A local mechanic replaced its belt tensioner for me but the noise remains. Do I replace the power steering pump since the noise disappears if the steering wheel is turned to either side at idle? I have good service LPSR: Power Steering Pump - Fluid Leak, Repair, Specialists, Pump Leak but i wanted ask you first

Did you check the fluid level for the power steering?





I would get and use this to see if the pump is actually the thing making the noise:

Auto Mechanics Stethoscope Car Engine Block Diagnostic Automotive Hearing Tool 870208055689 | eBay

Be careful, you could put someone's eye out with it.

You put the metal probe on the part you think is noisy - don't touch the belt or the pulleys while the engine is running - and see if it amplifies the noise. If yes, you have your culprit.

I would check out youtube videos, like this, to see if this sounds the same as your problem:



this is another problem:



A little concerned that the problem may NOT be the pump simply because if the pump is quiet while under a load, it may mean that the problem is in the rack and pinion. Of course putting on a used or reman pump isn't that expensive. Lots of used one's available for just over $40 on ebay. Having said that, I would probably do this:

Power Steering Pump Cardone 21-5129 Reman | eBay