I started noticing an issue with my steering the past week or so. Every time I turn the wheel out of gear, in place, the RPM rises a little bit. This may be normal, but it seems to be rising much more lately, maybe an extra 300-400rpm, and it vibrates and shudders as well.

Just last night, I noticed a very strange sound coming from my car when i was cruising in gear and turning. It only happened while I was turning the wheel, and it can be felt through the wheel as well.

What could this problem be? My initial thought was that the fluid was low, as I do have a PS leak, but with what happened last night, I think that the pump might be dying.

 

The BAC valve is supposed to supply extra air when turning, but that's just there to combat the rpm drop due to the PS pump's drag. It's supposed to keep idle constant, not bring it up.

The bearing is probably bad if you're hearing odd noises coming from it. Swap it out and forget about it. It's not too bad of a job. Just a little messy. You can unbolt the resevoir without taking it completely out of the car, then exchange the pumps.

 

Hmm, doesn't sound too bad. Everything is right there, so it should be easy enough.