I've bought a runabout in the form of a 1995 Escort 1.4 and although it is cosmetically quite good it has a rather noisy power steering pump which whines especially when cold.

Do I need to worry about it or should I just buy some earplugs?

Also it often stalls when coming to junctions, although it starts every time and seems very smooth. It badly lacks power in the mid range and flooring it doesn't seem to make any difference - however 75 bhp is a little less than I'm used to

I'm thinking about cleaning the ICV for starters but has anyone got any other ideas?

check the condition of the p/s oil, if its got any left, could be air in the pump because its low.

The level is fine although there seems to be a small trace of oil seeping out somewhere - nothing major though. If air was allowed to enter at some point, does it need bleeding?

Would power steering additive quieten it or is it just snake oil?

[Edited on 15-1-08 by RazMan]