I have a 2006 with 240k. Overall the car is doing pretty darn well aside from the rattles. Still goes pretty good, mpg is still right around 30 - just no reason to dump her yet as I haven't had to pump much in.
A couple weeks ago a squeak/squeal started. I have been analyzing it for a while to see all the ways the squeal manifests. The noise only occurs stopped or at low speeds (1-10MPH). It only occurs turning the steering wheel right. The squeal lasts only a couple seconds while the wheel is turning or held turned. If I am parked it does it more in D but not so much in P. If I turn right into a driveway it will squeal every time. If I slip it into N before turning right into a driveway it will still squeal. If I just sit in N or P and turn the wheel it rarely makes the squeal.
Things I have checked: I do not feel play at 12/6 or 9/3 on either front wheel/tire. I don't have any significant clunks, grinds, or scrapes while driving. I have no vibrations at freeway speeds or bearing noise turning left or right at 50. Power steering fluid is at the cold max when cold, goes to the middle of the min-max when hot (seems clean and normal). I think I can hear the power steering pump slightly when turning the wheel in park - it is faint and doesn't sound abnormal - the problem squeal is different and higher pitched like a cat meow. Belt has about 50k on it and doesn't seem obviously cracked.
Any ideas?