1997 850 suddenly running rough...
 

I have a '97 850 sedan that's suddenly running rough the past week or two ago. Things I've noticed:

1. It's worst when I first start it up - regardless of when I last used it or how hot/cold the engine is. (The engine is never outside below freezing - I live in northern California.)
2. When I'm driving at a reasonable speed (20+ MPH), it seems fine, though a little louder than normal. When slowing or accelerating to/from a complete stop it's rougher than usual.
3. It gets much worse if I'm making a sharp right turn.
4. The engine occasionally makes a "tapping" sound, especially after driving it on the freeway for 15+ minutes, which seems to be coming from the driver's side of the engine.

I have no real clue what's happening here. One suggestion I've heard is that it might be the fuel pump or possibly an oil pressure issue. Any thoughts? I can give whatever additional information I can, too.



Thanks!

Is the CEL on?

The CEL is not on.

New development: Now the car sounds like it's groaning every time I turn the wheel. This just happened a few minutes ago. I did some digging around in the forums and it sounds like something needs to be greased, though for the life of me I have no idea where it would be. This may be entirely unrelated, but I honestly don't know at this point.

I wonder if the power steering pump is low on fluid or getting ready to go out. That would explain why it is groaning when turning and the idle is much worse when turning to the right. If the pump is going out it would create an extra load on the engine, especially at lower speed.

Check the power steering fluid and make sure it is full and the fluid is not burnt. Also check the condition of the serpentine belt. Just a guess at this point but you need to start somewhere.