Whirring sounds/Timing belt questions

[interlude]

Hi guys.. im new to the forums. I had a question about my explorer.

I am experiencing a whirring sound whenever i turn the steering wheel. When the car is stationary or a slow rolling.. the whirring is quite loud.

Is this the power steering built?

Also.. im about to hit 200,000 kms. Will I need a timing belt change soon? What are the initial indications that I will need to replace the timing belt?

Thanks guys!

 

[jp450]

You may be in need of somthing as simple as a top off of your power steering fluid or somthing like a PS pump. Also there are no timing belts on the Ex. They are chains on the SOHC.

 

[floydr007]

A bunch of people have highly recommended switching the PS fluid to synthetic. Do this by using a baster to suck out the fluid in the reservoir and refill it with the synthetic fluid. You'll have to do this a few times after driving to get it filled up with mostly synthetic. But yes, check the fluid level if you dont feel like changing the fluid (although its good maintainence), but our PS pumps are notoriously noisy..