1997 Honda Civic

1997 Honda Civic 4 cyl Automatic 122000 miles

My car has never had any major problems. I just recently got my timing belt and water pump replaced for maintenance, and about a week later started hearing a strange noise coming from what seems to be the front driver's side. It's a loud, high pitched noise that sound like metal being scrapped against metal. The strange thing is that when I press my breaks, the noise gets higher in frequency, and if I slow down more, it stops all together. Nothing seems to trigger it, I can just have started driving or be going down the highway and it starts. Speeding up just seems to make the noise worse. One mechanic told me the car needs a rack and pinion replacement, but I've never had problems steering, and there certainly is no 'clunking' noise. Got any ideas as to what this could be? Should I go ahead with the rack and pinion or is it more likely some other problem? I'm poor! Any ideas? Thank you sooo much for your time!