Noises problem
1997 Honda Accord 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual 263000 miles

Hi

I have 97 honda accord LX. It is making a squealing noise from the front driver side when i turn the steering wheel while the car is still or in making slow turns. I checked the power steering fluid and it is full. I was reading on some other websites that it could be the power steering belt or the pump itself. I have also checked the belt for any cracks or looseness but it seems fine to me. I just recently got the front upper control arms changed because the upper ball joints were completely dry and gone. Now if it has something to do with the strut bearing (I found out about this by researching on the net... I don't know what it is) or the pump then what cost am i looking at? I just want to narrow my choices before i take my car to the mechanics because I know they like to take you for a ride if you dont have any idea whats wrong with your car. If you could please suggest where i should start that would be great.

thank you

Sammy

Start the engine and turn the wheel a few times and make it squeel like you described. Quickly look at the powersteering fluid -- are there and bubbles in the fluid? If so, then it could be a powersteering hose or a pump seal. If it is a seal then I suggest replacing the pump.
Bubbles in the fluid indicate air is getting into the powersteering and causing your problem.
As for the struts - struts are a suspension part and they are not connected to the steering. Struts are shocks with a coil spring.