i just want to know if old power steering fluid can eventuallydamage a power steering pump? i have a strange grinding/whiriling noise that comes from around the timing belt and ps pump area, some people say the belts are too tight, others say its my ps pump. If i change my fluid, might this fix the noise? i dont think the fluid has ever been changed (120,000 miles)

 

oils do not loose their lubricating properties, they will carry worn metal or particles through out the system, so if your p/s pump is noisy, changing the fluid will not quiet it down,the pump will need changing at some time in the near future. If there is a thicker fluid that can be used for the pump, it may quiet it down a little but will make noise again. the pump blades are worn.