My 08 C2 has been making a faint whining sound at idle. It isn't horrible, if I have the radio on or the windows open i can't hear it. However, if I'm just siting in the car with no radio it bothers the hell out of me. I think it might be the steering pump as I had checked the reservoir and it was dry. I refilled it and it made the noise better but it didn't go away.

Before I go spending money replacing the pump, is the slight whining a normal thing that I just never noticed before? Also, if I disconnect the pulley and turn on the car, I'm assuming the pump won't be running so this should let me see if that's the issue?

Thanks

 

Did you check fittings around the steering rack and the pump it ? If it's leaking it may not be the pump, could be one of the hose fittings. Wouldn't replace pump until you determine where the leak is .