Been reading through the posts looking for a whining under the hood, varies with engine rpm. Power steering? Seems like it gets just a touch louder when you turn the wheel back and forth. Is it something to worry about? Mileage is at 118,000 miles. I guess it could be the alternator too, have to give it a good listen tomorrow. What do you guys think?

Dave

If it changes when you turn the steering wheel, it has a good chance of being the power steering pump. Check the fluid level, you might be low.

X 2. Engine running, idle, in park, turn it one way to the stops. The whine should peak when it hits the stops if it is your power steering. Usually a sign of low fluid.

Well I made sure fluid was topped off correctly, then did the steering wheel stop to stop. It is definitely coming from the power steering. It is loudest when cold but does quiet down a bit when warm, but is still louder than I am used to hearing. If it'* noisy with proper fluid levels is that a serious problem?

It should be OK, but consider changing it at some point. If it goes out steering will still work, it will just be hard.