Getting PS noise and hard steering on startup now that the cold weather has set in up here in the North. I assume the pump is going. Will do a belt check when I can get to the car (remote right now) but the noise tells me it's likely spinning but noisy. No leaks. Comments? Common failure mode on these?

Can anyone give me a brief description of what's involved in the pump change, any gotchas, and maybe a reasonable time estimate for a guy who is good with a wrench but doesn't even know where the pump is on this engine :-) I may have to do this remote from my home base so some knowledge of what I might run in to would be great.

 

Check the level of your power steering fluid. Check for any leaks, especially the high pressure hose (common item to go bad on our cars). Make sure the belt is not lose.

The power steering pump is located by the firewall on the passenger side. Look for the PS belt. It goes over the main pulley and power steering pump. That's where it's at.

 

I did not know this was a common problem as I still have my OEM hose installed..