89 200 tqa ps pump/noises

[Samir Shah <gofast1@home.com>]

Yesterday, the 200 made a couple of very scary noises. First, it started
making this irregular rat-a-tat-tat noise from the front, like a leaking
bearing. Sounds like its coming from the PS pump area, or below it
(water pump is the only other option, right?). On restart today, the
noise appears to have gone away. Any ideas? Do the PS pumps do this when
they start failing? No loss of fluid, or leaks visible.

If anyone has a used good working pump that can be shipped out ASAP,
please email me privately with a price. Mine has a red label.

Secondly, while driving, a hell of a vibration/noise came from below the
car, traveling in 4th with 1.2 passengers (wife and baby). Pulling off
the highway, and rejoining seemed to cure it. Another symptom that may
give a clue is that, with slight pressure on the clutch at a standstill,
the car/gearshift level gets a vibration.

Update: I still have not had a chance to fix the power cables, FYI.
Pulling the fuse for the power locks/alarm seems to prevent the battery
from dying, even though the voltage indicated is fluctuating, and is 12V
or slightly below most of the time.

Thanks in advance. Samir.