Power Steering Problem

[Silver SLP]

3.4 V-6 72,000 mi

Every morning I start my car, I hear a loud whining sound for about 5 seconds (car in garage), which I have found out is the power steering pump. Last week while I was at school (car kept outside in below 0 weather) I had to let it warm up for half an hour before driving, because as soon as I touched the steering wheel, it would whine even more and I am afraid to break something.

When cold, the fluid is exactly like molasses. When it starts to warm up, the reservoir becomes filled with bubbles. There are no leaks and the fluid is right where it is supposed to be on the dip stick. I don't believe there is water in there, because I don't see any white, milky fluid.

I'm not sure if the pump is going? Rack and pinion wore out? Bad fluid?
I have no other steering issues other than there is a popping sound when turning the wheel quickly to the left. The car tracks straight and no vibrations.

All help is appreciated, thanks in advance.

[xXManwhoreXx]

Let it get worse.. sounds like a blower. No one will front!

[Silver SLP]

Originally Posted by xXManwhoreXx

Let it get worse.. sounds like a blower. No one will front!

What??

[rustyballs_69]

If there are bubbles in the reservoir then air is getting sucked into the system somewhere.

[Silver SLP]

Originally Posted by rustyballs_69

If there are bubbles in the reservoir then air is getting sucked into the system somewhere.

How would I go about checking that? Any ideas where to start?

[xXManwhoreXx]

Check the rack for small leaks, put some soap on the lines at the connections and it will bubble if there is a leak.

[Silver SLP]

Originally Posted by xXManwhoreXx

Check the rack for small leaks, put some soap on the lines at the connections and it will bubble if there is a leak.

Thanks, will do...
If the rack is bad, could that also explain the "popping" sound I get from steering?