I was at a stoplight and was just turning my wheel while waiting and noticed when i did that the engine would make noise and the rpm would rise a bit and then go back. It did this each time.

My car does have power steering, i just ordered a new rack because it was leaking. I did have full fluid at the time though.

How does the wheel turning cause that to happen?

 

When you turn the wheels while idling, the power steering pump puts a load on the engine, so the engine reacts with an increase in idle. It's nothing to worry about.

 

^^^ Yup, what they said.

 

Phew, never noticed it before or i wasnt paying attention until now