When you say you have checked the belt, are you sure it has the correct tension and is not slipping? Are the front tyre pressures correct with and have a good tread? I doubt that the battery problem is anything to do with the steering but the pump could be worn.
I would think your noise is a wheel bearing, you may be able to confirm this by listening carefully when you go round a bend, it will likely be louder one way than the other.
You don't say whether it is diesel or petrol, a diesel needs a good battery to turn the engine over fast enough but a petrol one is not so fussy.
Edited by Peter.N. on 08/03/2011 at 19:25
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