so i got this 1996 maxima. today in the morning on my way to school the car started whinning out of nowhere. it smelled like something was burning. there was a little bit of white smoke coming out of the passenger side(left side of the engine bay) i think it was the water pump. car didnt overheat and normal. Drove it twice with the sound until.i decided to go.for.athird drive. Halfway to my ddestination the sound goes away. i pop the hood open no.smell or signs of something burning. Gone completely. Do.i go.on.and change the water pump? or do you guys.think there is something else wrong? coolant level was full and green. oil level full.

 

Check belt tension if ok then pull the drive belts and inspect the different components by turning and checking for play. Might just be a glazed and hardened belt.

 

+1 on belts. Water pump wont make a whining sound. Thats a grinding sound when it's bad.


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Water pump is located internally in the engine, so it would not make visible smoke.

+1 on belts, or crank pully

 

The power steering pump will make a whining sound when air gets into the system. Air in the power steering system would usually be caused by a leak. The white smoke could of been power steering fluid that leaked onto Your belt(s), which made of slip and the friction from the slipping caused the fluid to burn off producing white smoke
This is just a theroy, but I would check your whole power steering system for leaks, including the PS rack. You may have to start the car and crank the steering wheel all the way to the left or right, to get enough pressure to the system to help spot a small leak.
Again, just a theroy. But its very probable.

hope this helps
Nathan

 

Are the rack boots a source of a power steering leak?? or is it the line themselves? mine whines all the time, drives me crazy somtimes.

 

Boots just keep dirt out and grease in.
Seals keep the fluid in.

 

^^ what he said. Check all the lines and fittings especially the ones leading from your PS resivior to the steel line up front passenger side.

 

A/C compressor pulley/clutch bearing shot?

 

Will check that

 

Chewbaca from star wars is under your hood. Power steering fluid is low or leaking.

 

Are you sure it's not his waterpump belt.