My daughter just called from college. Her 1999 S70 with 73,000 miles is making a front end noise so she took to a mechanic. They told her it the power steering pump going bad and needs replacing. Qouted her $1000 to $1200 for the job. Wow, does this sound right? Her school is 600 miles away, so my having a chance to help her out is out of the question. Be advise on wehter the pump is a common problem and part availability on the aftermarket. Thanks

They go bad sometimes.Not all that often.Did she say what kind of noise it is making and when it is making it?If it is kinda like a squeeking/grinding noise at full turns then the steering stops need to be lubbed.If it is a whining noise it is possible the pump is bad.Have her make sure the fluid isn't low it is easy to check the cap has a dipstick in it.It is kind of a pain to replace the pump the new one has no pulley.The pulley on the old one is plastic and sometimes breaks when trying to remove.
http://www.partsamerica.com/PartDetails.asp?ptset=A&sourcepage=SEARCHRESULTS&mfrcode=A1C&mfrpartnumber=20600&parttype=251&destinationpage=PartDetails%2Easp

The link is for discount auto parts and there is a price there.

Thanks Tech,

I will call her tonight to get more info. I feel better after seeing the aftermarket price. i think I'll let her boyfriend check the the fluid. It seems that no matter how many times I go over the need to check the car fluids, the daughter gives me the ya, but I not really listening. Kids, don't you love em.

Ok let me know what she says.And I know the feeling you can tell the kids till you are blue in the face and goes out the other ear.:D

Thats funny... I'm always reminding my parents to check their fluids ;-)

On the subject of power steering issues, I'm getting a grinding/rubbing noise when the wheel is locked all the way in one direction... low fluid or steering stops need to be lubed? I just bought my 98 S70 two days ago.

Steering stops need to be lubbed.

Haven't been able to snatch up a Chiltons or Haynes yet... link to instructions/Diagram?

Climb under the front of the car and look for white plastic peices on the front of the lower control arm.Lube that with grease.Then you will be fine.