Toyota Repair: power steering pump 1994 V6 Toyota Camry, power steering pumps, power steering pump

Question
According to my mechanic, the power steering pump on my V6 1994 Camry is making some noise -- sounds like a high pitch, but not loud.  Does the fact that it makes noise justify immediately replacing it?  He didn't suggest it, but I'd like to know.  

Answer
Power steering pumps normally make noise when they get low on fluid and there is air in the system, is there a leak at either the pump or the steering rack, if so the leak has to be taken care of first, if the pump is leaking it should be replaced if there are no leaks I would suggest removing the power steering pump belt and running the engine and see if the noise goes away, if it does the power steering pump is causing the noise, if the noise persists it is caused by something else.