Help - Front L axle, whining...

[ann941]

Hi all -

I'm new here and need help. I recently Inherited a 96 Toyota Avalon. My dad said he had the car aligned, knuckles and i-beams checked a year ago – but he was vague about why. Anyway, I park the car outside and after getting into a tight spot a few nights ago, I’m now hearing a pronounced whining whenever I’ve got to go left or right, and it’s definitely coming from the left side.

I had the oil changed and all fluids checked Saturday, and the timing belt was replaced about 20K ago (it has 88 on it now). Like I said, left and right turns bring about a whining…steering is not any harder for me, though…thoughts? As a woman I hesitate to bring the car to a dealer without knowing what’s going on, but even my four years of working with Tier 2 manufacturers hasn’t clued me in to what this means…

Thanks!

[Deuce]

Power steering fluid could need to be changed, and/or the pump is malfunctioning.

[DrtySthV6SE]

well im my 95 camry the power steering pump is on the right side, but it sounds like your prob still could be the pump or fluid cause i have a leak in my power steering system somewhere and when it gets low you definately hear a whine.

[ann941]

Thanks, folks...

When I got home last night, I noticed leaking brown fluid on the floor of the garage (roomie let me use it night before). I'm having it looked at today...

Gotta love Jiffy Lube though - not a mention of it after they "topped it off" on Saturday...

Thanks!