is my power steering box going?

[BullittSVT]

Yesterday I noticed a whining noise that wasnt there before when I would bring the rpms up either at idle or driving.. sounds like its coming from the front of the car. What are the symptoms of one failing?

[WildBillyT]

Sure it's not an alternator? Tis the season...

[BullittSVT]

Is there any tests for it?

[WS6_CAIT]

Did you check the fluid level?

[BullittSVT]

Will be doing that tomorrow

[BullittSVT]

I added more power steering fluid and still no noticeable change. But I did however pinpoint the noise is coming from the engine bay, sounds like it could be the power steering or alternator but can't know exactly which one is making the noise since they're right on top of each other..

[JL8Jeff]

Are you sure it isn't the AC belt making noise? My 2000 did that and I removed it for a year or 2 and it was nice and quiet. I did finally replace the belt and the noise did not come back so it was definitely the old belt that made the noise.

[BullittSVT]

So as of now, I have a 15 month old battery that doesn't work (cells fubar) and a replacement battery donated from my brothers Jeep Wrangler.. and that's at 9 volts when I just tried to start it. So i'm looking at a few possibilities, a parasitic draw from somewhere in the vehicle (everything I know of is off) OR my alternator is crap. When trying to start it, the car made a clacking noise (guessing from the engine bay) and wouldn't turn over.

[BullittSVT]

Installed a new battery with new bolts, will see if it lasts. If something does go wrong I know I'm in something.

[Blacdout96]

Do yourself a favor. Take off the alternator, and take it to advance, they'll test it for free. Sounds like your alternator is bad.

Does it have the factory alarm, and do you use it? My car will have problems overnight when it is cold out to start, rumors have it that the alarm system does draw enough to cause that. when I leave the alarm off overnight, I don't have as much of a problem.

[BullittSVT]

I always use the factory system and the cars usually locked up all night but not recently as I have fears I can't get in the car if I lose power, don't have a door key.

Started up fine after sitting for fourteen hours. I'll get the alternator checked after the holidays