Bought 99 Taurus SE, question on power steering noise
 

Hello,

I recently purchased a 99 Taurus w/ 3.0L V6 and am new to this forum. It has about 90,000 (145,000km) miles on it. I noticed that when I turn the wheel to either left or right between 60 and 100% of the way, it starts making a noise.

Between 0 and 60%, there is no noise at all, but it seems like once I hit that threshold, it makes a whirring, grinding... almost like a "water running from a tap" noise. The power steering fluid is pink and fresh, and smells as it should. Cannot find any leaks.

My question: Is this normal for this generation of Taurus? If not, can someone enlighten me as to what it could be? Took is to a mechanic and he said it's normal... but I'm not so sure as I've never heard this in any other cars. I'm betting it's likely power steering pump or (hopefully not) the power steering rack.

Thanks guys!!