Noisy steering pump

[njg02]

Only when turning left. '98 cabrio, manual. I can swing left to right and back when stopped and a squeaking sound seems to emanate from the pump. Any ideas?

Also, the left front suspension creaks as well. Maybe related. What do you think?

Neil

[Umai Naa!!]

Might sound crazy, but how much oil is in the power steering fluid reservoir? Also, if it's not bright red, then it needs replacing.

[njg02]

Huh. Thanks for that. Plenty of fluid but no colour. Another job.

Anyway, noise isn't from the pump. It's from the left front suspension. Creaks when I move the steering wheel left, on the ground or jacked up.What's the go with the upper mount? I can move the strut all over the place. When I jacked it up to check, there was a gap between the body and the top mount. What is normal here? Springs have 4 white dots and 1 green. I bet this means it's a cabrio. Rear has a brown and yellow dot.
If...I have to do struts and mounts, what should I do? The car is already low enough for me so something close to std if need be.

Neil

[Umai Naa!!]

Those top mounts are known to wear. There's also an axial bearing between them, and the top spring collar that also wears, and may be causing the creaking, or cracking sound that you're hearing. The left side always goes first, as that's the wheel that cops the most abuse (gutters, potholes, etc).

[njg02]

Thanks Umai. I can fit my finger between the body and what Mr Bentley calls the 'Stop'. I think that this may mean is broke. Do you know what is in the kit if I have to buy a new bearing? Is the strut mount on top of the spring retainer and the stop on the top. It's not clear what goes where in the Bentley.
Can I take the top nut and stop off to look and see what goes where?

Also, what's involved in changing the power steering fluid?

Thanks