My 1995 Bonneville SLE has had some amount of noise from the power steering since i got it in september. It'* about as loud as a supercharger almost during very low speed turns at times, more pronounced it seems during cold weather. I was wondering what everyone thinks it may be? If the pump needs replacement, how much should a typical shop charge in hours and parts?

The first thing to check would be the fluid level.

Ok, I'll definetly do that in the morning when I can see what I am doing

One question, is there a dipstick I am checking in the cap or am I just doing some kinda visual check or what?

There'* a dipstick that is part of the cap for the pump. Just in case you don't know where it is, it'* low on the engine, passenger side, near the firewall.

Ok, checked the fluid...

Note Outside temperature where I am: 20 degrees

The Power steering fluid BARELY touches the bottom of the dipstick, the markings from bottom to top are: Add, Cold, Hot

The fluid BARELY touches add.
I can only assume that I definitely need fluid, what kind of fluid do I put in and how much?

You need to buy power steering fluid. Wal Mart or any parts store. Just add a little bit at a time, the reservoir is not very large.

Well I filled it up to JUST below "Full hot" after heating it up, guessing that with cold outside temps I should leave a little room. I still have some slight whine during 5-20 mph turns and at dead stop wheel turns, is this normal? It certainly sounds nowhere near as loud as I've heard sometimes it would get like louder than a supercharger.

You may have introduced a little air into the system. That will make them whine a bit. Other times it is just a pump going bad. I had a Dodge Caravan with a pump that whined for 4 years. Every time I would take it in for tires or alignment, I was told: "you need a new PS pump." But, I drove it to 250,000 miles and sold it that way.

I am thinking of replacing the power steering pump cause I am going on a trip in a few months that is going to be lots of mountains/etc and I want everything top notch shape lol...

I have realized that in certain cases, certain parts work better than others in our Bonnevilles. I have thought about just getting the Auto zone Power Steering Pump (ATSCO with reservoir) Is this a good part, has anyone used this, is there any specific one anyone recommends?

Thanks in advance,
Michael