There is now a whining/grinding noise coming from under the hood. It sounds like it's coming from the :censored: power steering pump and I don't have the money to get it professionally fixed. Does anyone have any tips on removing and replacing it? Could it just be low fluid level? I really love my eagle but it's just one thing after another with this old girl. is there a cheap way to diagnose what could be wrong?
Top the fluid up and turn the steering wheel from lock to lock a couple times. Check the level again.
Have you noticed any leaks?
If topping it off doesn't work, I would drain the old fluid (remove the return hose with a catch pan underneath) and add Lucas power steering fluid additive. It's thicker and has "fixed" several dying pumps over the years.
Fill it up slowly, when the fluid is low it can foam up and look fuller than it is.