I got a piece of hose to isolate the noise. It only made the tapping noise in the 1000-1500 rpm range, so I held open the throttle a little to find the source. I had the tube up to the valve cover and didn't hear the noise originating from there so I just listened to the engine. Turns out to be the power steering pump, WHEW! I rather would replace the pump rather than tear down the intake. Must be the bearings giving out in it. 18 years old anyway, 'bout time it gave out. Any suggesstions on replacing it without too much headache?

Ken

 

I'm assuming you no longer have the bracket that attaches to the exhaust manifold, right? Anyways, unbolt the pump first, and then dump the contents into a drain pan. Then disconnect the lines and keep them high to avoid a mess and getting too much air in the system. Rent a PS pulley kit... It removes the pulley and then reinstalls it on the new one. Unbolt the pump from the bracket and take it in for the core charge. Install new one using reverse.

However, when you go to install the new one, before you put the hoses on, turn the pulley counter clockwise for a few seconds (while holding your fingers over the hose connections) to prime the pump. Jack up the front of the car and finish installing the pump. Slightly overfill the pump, and turn the steering wheel side to side about five or six times (ALL the way... lock to lock) to bleed the system. Check the fluid level and add or remove as necessary.

Don't overfill the PS pump.. it WILL make a mess if too full, and foamy fluid doesn't work all that well.