Front end of engine whining noise

We thought the whining was related to my power steering pump deteriorating. I heard a whining noise when driving without turning or with turning. I also heard louder noises when turning steering wheel to the right or left. Sometimes I could feel buffeting transferred to the steering wheel when turning the wheel to the far right and left. This noise and buffeting is intermittent, but seems worse during cold temperatures and after a rain when wet outside. Also I hear the whining more going up hills, so when the engine is under more strain.

The mechanic said it was the pump and replace it with a rebuild. The noise continued, so he replaced it again. But the noise persists.

I've checked my engine oil and differential fluid and both are slightly over the high level. And both fluids are new and clean.

I've read online in a Subaru Forum owners complaining of the same situation and many feel the problem is in the differential and not the Steering. Although it could be both.

The fact that I've had two pumps replaced and had no improvement would suggest it's not the steering pump.

Plus the fact that I hear the noise when turning the wheel would lead you to think it's in the steering, but I also hear it when the car is in drive going up hills, when cold and wet outside. This seems to suggest a drive issue. Yes?

Perhaps there's a connection between how the car drives and steers which is the only explanation I can think of as to why or how the noise could happen turning the steering wheel and when not and just driving straight. Perhaps the fact that the Subaru is AWD is a factor? Is the front drive is connected to the Steering?

That's all I know. Any ideas? Thanks.

I can only check one Repair topic but I potentially have 3: Noise, Steering, Drivetrain