noisy power steering pump

[quote:750415215d="etienne"]Hi,
I have a problem with power steering pump. From a couple of weeks ago ,every time I start the engine the pump makes a noise similar to any pump is doing when working.The problem is the noise is louder than it should be and when I turn the steering weel left or right the noise increses.Normaly this pump used to work quietly .
The steering wheel works nice and easy .The problem is only the noise .
My car is a MERCEDES A 160 ELEGANCE YEAR 2001,manual clutchless . Can anybody advise me what causes this noise and how can be eliminated or repaired ?
Thanks
Basil[/quote:750415215d]

is it full of fluid? may have a leak

the pump reservoir shouldn't be full; u should check the stick attached to the tap of the reservoir and make sure the liquid is up to the dash in between the two temperature signs; this check should be done when the engine is cold; u also should consider change the fluid and when you do that you should flush the pump with the new fluid and then fill it up to the dash; it takes no more than 250ml but u can add more to come to the dash point; after this process it is good to turn the wheel completely to the right and then to the left (up to 10 times or more) this will get any air bubble go out of the system, of course with the engine running. the noise usually comes from low or even high fluid level or when the fluid is old; more unusually problems can be: water or wet reached the motor on the pump; electric problems on cables; u might want to check the windshield water reservoir for any leaks as power steering pump cables are located under this reservoir in a small black box (three cables) and any leak can cause electric problems to the pump.