95 corolla 4afe whining noise - uploaded sound file

[Ktroy]

Most noticeable starting up when cold, seems to go away when warm. Sounds like a power steering groan but the car is just sitting idle warming up.

I had the hood open, started the car then stepped outside and placed camera near the water pump/timing belt area where it seems to be coming from.

Car has 59k miles.

whatever it is, It makes another noise at 1:00 in the audio clip.

Anyone have an idea what it could be?

audio clip

[Ktroy]

Found the answer. It has a power steering fluid leak, and was low on fluid. Apparently, the pump will make noise even at idle, without use of the steering, especially when cold.

[tbalon]

Yes, air introduced into any hydrolic pump will usually produce a whine... Glad you got it fixed.

[speedy25]

...unless its a Ford, then it whines anyway!

-SP