I have a 95 nissan altima and i wanted to know how do i know if my power steering pump is going out when i start the car it makes a loud whinning noise

ANSWERS: Oil Loss, Buzzing Noise, ETC. - Nissan Forum ' Nissan Forums

forums.nicoclub.com/answers-oil-loss-buzzing-noise-etc-t323273.html

Mar 20, 2008 - 3) Yet another buzzing, rattling or whinning noise. If you own a Quest van, Maxima, Altima 3.5 and some Z/G/FX vehicles, and get a loud ... Mysterious no-spark situation with a buzzing transmission
Mar 31, 2013
ABS brake fault light on, buzzing sound
Feb 7, 2011
ECU making loud buzzing noise
Oct 6, 2009
Buzzing noise under the hood towards the back of the engine ...
May 8, 2008
More results from forums.nicoclub.com

Buzzing noise at 2000-3000 RPM - Nissan Forums : Nissan Forum

www.nissanclub.com/...nissan-altima.../128490-buzzing-noise-2000-300...

Oct 28, 2003 - 6 posts - ‎3 authors
The "buzzing noise"; I can tell that I am not alone in having this problem but has someone figured out ... I fit does, that eliminates the brake rotors, tires, wheelbearings, CV's etc. ... BUT with an Altima it is probable the pre-cats. Loud humming noise when driving
7 posts
Aug 29, 2009
Noise when accelerating
13 posts
Jul 21, 2009
engine noise/whine - 05 3.5SE
15 posts
Nov 17, 2006
My altima has a humming noise under my hood
15 posts
Jan 17, 2005
More results from www.nissanclub.com

Whinning Causes
The whining noise you hear coming from the power steering pump is one of three things. The first is more of a loud "hush" than a whine; this is the sound of fluid rushing through the bypass valve when you turn the wheel all the way to one side or the other. Sometimes the bypass valve malfunctions or doesn't open all the way, causing pressure to back up in the pump and cause your engine rpm to drop. The second and third causes result from cavitation -- vacuum pockets created behind the rotor's vane blades as a result of extremely high pump action -- or air in the lines.

Its probably back-firing in the intake - which means it is firing early or the fuel mixture is very lean.
This engine uses a distributor cap and rotor, so I would start there and make sure the cylinders are firing correctly.
If the ignition checks out ok, it could be a problem with the cam timing.

you may need to replace your steering fluid. dirty steering fluid can cause to make your steering wheel hard to turn.

Check the belt tension before you do anything. Most of the time, this is the issue. Second could be just a badly worn belt. Simple and lest expensive things to start with.

Take it to the Dealership have them check it.

You didn't state waht you wanted to know so i assumed you wanted to know how to replace the pump.

Here is a link to a do-it-yourself video that may help you.

http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to/video/how-to-replace-your-power-steering-pump-169473/

OK, now I understand. The belt goes around the alternator and water pump as well Just give the make and model to any auto parts store and ask for the alternator, power steering, water pump belt and they will know which one it is. If it helps, the Gates number is: K060525

possible power steering pump.

it has one bolt. and yes go to the autoparts store with the o rng and they can match it up, the o rings are known for rotting and make it leak....

and yes the hose could possibly be loose.