Whenever I make the first left hand turn of my drive, I hear this obnoxious whining noise that doesn't stop for the rest of the ride. It happens on right turns too, but it'* a lot less noticable.

Is it maybe the fluid is low or something, or needs a flush? Which leads me to a super embarassing question..... I'm not retarded I promise, just car retarded...

where is my power steering fluid reserve container thingy

Not sure where it is on S2 engines...someone else will chime in on that

Power steering systems are closed loop. Meaning once you fill it, you should never have to fill it again. Your whining (The car, not you) means that it is low on fluid, but there is the problem of "where is it going?" you will also need to contend with.

The P.*. pump may also be going bad. Have you noticed any leaking fluids under the car lately?

Weak belt tension can produce the same effect, particularly on cold mornings.

The power steering reserve tank is really hard to see and get to, if you look at the alternator, look behind it and down and you will see it. Best I can describe it, sorry.

Yep! Get your forehead right to the rear fire wall and use a flashlight. You've probably got more slender wrists than some of us ham-fisted klutzes, so it should be a breeze for you. The cap has a dip-stick on it just like you would expect (and hope for). (BTW -- you're not nearly the first one who couldn't find it )

I remember you posted before about power steering noise. We all sort of dismissed it. Is this the same noise but getting worse? And just out of curiosity, is it affecting the steering feel (less responsive, "slug"ish[haha], stiff)?

I had the SAME problem I hear them whining ALL the time...people don't seem to know where they are. I sure as heck couldn't find it till it was pointed out.

Long funnel helps.

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...ic.php?t=79656

My 98 Bonneville SE had a whining power steering pump too. The fluid was always fine so I just replaced the pump, which is on the bottom of the engine but still accessible without having to tear anything else off, might be the same on your car. It was easier to work on by taking the passenger tire off though. It helped my whine a lot although I still notice there is a bit. But as someone on here just suggested the belt tensioner that may be my issue because mine didn't seem to be in good shape.+

Try a bottle of Lucas Powersteering Stop Leak. It made the whine almost disappear from mine. You gotta suck the fluid out of your resivour and fill it with the Lucas. That stuff works wonders

Thanks for the advice everyone. How do I check the belt tensioner?