Power Steering Whine / Workshop Manuals

There has always been a whining noise from under the bonnet while turning the car at very low-speed, even though the steering feels fine. I first checked the power-steering fluid level, which was just under the maximum, so with no Hayne's manual available for the Impreza I tracked down some manuals on the internet from a great site called PDFTown. Links below:

MY97-98 Subaru Service Manual - http://pdftown.com/PDF-Subaru-Impreza-1997-1998-Service-Manual.html

I cant find a more detailed Subaru workshop manual for my MY98 car, but there is one for MY99-00 cars and most of the parts and fitting are still identical - http://pdftown.com/Subaru-Impreza-1999-2000-Workshop-Manual.html

All other Subaru manuals are here - http://pdftown.com/Pdf-eBook/Subaru.html

After a bit of research the most optimistic explanation I could find was that the V-belt, which drives the power-steering pump and the alternator, was loose. This is simple enough to tighten up by winding a tensioning-bolt, which I did to the recommended 8mm play in the belt, even though mine is a little cracked and worn. We also fed a little oil into the centre of the power-steering and alternator pulleys and turned the engine over for a while.

This has certainly improved the whine, but it can still be heard inside the car when maneuvering. It could be a failed bearing in either of the pulleys, or the power-steering pump or alternator itself so only time will tell. At least the steering is functioning flawlessly...