I have a 2005 Ford Freestyle SEL FWD that recently had the rack and pinion replaced because it blew out. I assumed the power steering pump wouldn't be good anymore either because I drove it around for a couple of months before it stopped holding fluid all together. When I had the rack and pinion replaced the mechanic said the power steering pump was still good. The thing is I've noticed a strange hissing coming from the new rack and pinion area (right side under fuse box) and sometimes the pump whines and I'm wondering if that's just normal noises. I didn't own the car for very long before the rack and pinion went out and I assumed the noises were due to it being blown.