I have a 98 camaro with the 3800. I noticed a whining noise a few months ago. It sounds like it comes from the front of my block. So I changed the water pump, alternator, idler pulley component and new belt. Still had whining/humming noise. Then all hell broke loose, and it ended up having $1860 in clutch and transmission work. I expected the noise to be gone. It's still there. I just took belt off, and noise is gone. Suggestions, ideas? Power steering isnt rough, still pulls fluid. I've got so much in it, many other new parts. It's been my project. But now I'm baffled and on the fence. Thanks in advance.. Heather

 

If the PS pump is the only belt driven part you haven't replaced and the noise is gone when you pull the belt I would think that may well be your problem, it can be on it's way out and still working. That said I've seen new belts make noise, you might want to spray some belt ease on it just to be sure it's not the belt and make sure all your pulleys are where they should be etc.
Another thing I'd do is start the car and with it parked and the hood open have someone turn the wheels hard both directions while you listen to what happens when you put a load on that PS pump.

 

sounds like the ps pump. either its low on fluid or its unhappy and thinking about kicking the bucket. the noise should change when you turn the steering wheel. usually air causes the wine,,, whine lol, maybe you need some wine after what you been through. a failing relief valve inside the pump can also cause whine. unfortunately these pumps do not have a replaceable relief valve. if you had not had work done on the steering right before the noise started i doubt its an air lock. not hard to change the pump, getting air out can be a pain sometimes.