Mostly noticeable at lower RPM, and much more pronounced with the AC on. Variable with RPM change.
These don't use a belt driven PS pump, right? Hoping it's not a compressor issue, doesnt affect AC performance at all.

 

There is no power steering pump on the 2nd generation engines. Power steering is electric assist. If the sound gets worse when AC is on, then I would suspect AC compressor.

 

Ugh, hoping it's not. AC works great [as well as you can expect for a convertible in Houston]
Is there a tensioner or idler pulley in the belt system that could also be the culprit, getting some additional strain on it with the compressor engaged?

 

The belt that drives the AC also drives the alternator....

 

I'd assumed a single belt system, was just hoping maybe a tensioner or idler could be the culprit, over a pricier alternator or needing to go to a shop for a compressor replacement [since I can't evac & charge the AC]