Nissan Repair: noisy and skipping, power steering pump, nissan quest

Question
We have a 94 nissan quest 156000 miles. It just has to get us through till we get out of college. But lately it's making a terrible noise and skipping when sitting idle. Upon acceleration, it makes almost a whining sound, a high pitch, but not like the fan belt noise, not that high. Please help!

Answer
Amanda,

The whining sound could be brake related or the alternator or the airconditioner.  Check this out and email me back.  When you take off turn the airconditioner off.  If the noise goes away it was the compressor.  If the noise is still there does it go away when you ride the brakes?  If it does then it is the brakes and if not I would think the alternator is going out.  Now, there is the power steering that could be making the noise.  Turn the wheel left and right and if it makes noise it is the power steering pump.  Again, email me back and let me know...