Power steering woes, interesting...? Options

[samir0189]

So, I know I've been leaking p/s fluid, I haven't yet gotten to check from where exactly. On cold start, there is an intermittent noise that sounds like "errr-wheeeet, errr-wheeeet" with about a 1 second interval.

I'm guessing it is the pump... but also, there is an excess of white smoke that looks like condensation from the tail pipe (continuous, not valve seal startup poof, and not coolant, no sweet smell.) I've read on lexus forums that there is some sort of valve that dumps p/s fluid into the intake manifold and causes that smoke, with a fuel-like "rich" smell?

So I ask, is this what is really going on.. do I need to get this valve (if it exists) new? Or is it the bad pump that is forcing p/s fluid up and into the intake mani? Any ideas welcomed...