Nissan Repair: power-steering noise or tire-rub?, nissan altima gxe, nissan altima

Question
I have a 2001 Nissan Altima GXE, with approximately 175K miles.
There is a noise coming from the right-front wheel area during a left turn.  It almost sounds like a tire-rub on the inner wheel-well cover, but it also makes this same noise when stationary while turning the wheel to the left.  Is it possible for a power-steering pump to make a groaning sound when the steering wheel is turned in this direction, but not when making a right turn?  This noise becomes increasingly loud during cold weather, but diminishes slightly after the car comes up to running temperature.

Answer
Hi Robert -

If the sound is coming from the wheel area, it is probably the rack. And yes, there could be restriction just to one side. Try an additive such as AT200 (Carquest). Check for any kinked power steering hoses.

If all checks out, you will probably have to replace the steering rack.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin