Looks like I am experiencing the infamous intermittent power steering issue. I lost my PS last week and assumed it was due to be low on fluid. I topped up and all was fine until today. PS randomly stopped working when I pulled into the neighborhood. Let the car site for a few hours and took it for a drive and all was well. Pulled back in the garage and did hear a whine when parked and turned the wheel left and right. I bought the car 2 weeks ago and this is no covered under warranty, so I a wondering what parts I need to replace soon. Obviously the PS pump, but also the PS fan? Since this will be my first repair on the car, is the fan usually replaced in conjunction with the pump if I take the car to a reputable shop? Other than installing the power steering fan shroud to allow cool air to reach the pump, is there any other way to prevent this from happening again within the next 50k miles or so? TIA.

 

Have the lower steeering column checked. The lower universal joint may be on its way out. Mine went intermittent and then seized completely on one axis, others have had the same problem. Easy to figure out with the suspension unloaded (car on lift or jackstands).

Replacement lower column is about $140 plus shipping from allminiparts.com

 

Is the car whining at all when you turn? I had my powersteering pump fail on my after whining got louder and more consistent. Not a cheap fix for the pump.
It could be the fan too. Before I lost the pump I had a rock stuck in the fan. I got that out and it worked fine after that.
Good luck!

 

Sounds like your gonna need a pump. We always keep 2 or 3 in stock.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/oem-pow...ring-pump.html

There isn't much you can do to prevent it, these new pumps seem to do alot better.

 

Thanks, I am going to start with the fan and go from there.