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There are no problems IMO removing one vbelt at a time to determine if the noise goes away, if you don't plan on running like that for very long at all. My guess, would be that it could be the water pump, or the alternator, after what you had stated above.
If it trips an ECU code, the easy way to reset the ECU is just to remove the negative cable from your battery for 5 or so minutes. Of course you have to reset your stereo's presets, etc. but at least the codes are gone.
It's also very rare that you would have this variable pitched squeal coming from the motor itself. I for one have never heard any noise similar come from the motor itself. Since it doesn't vary with turning the column, then it likely isn't the PS pump. Since you stated it doesn't change while changing the load (like the AC compressor) it cannot be that. My last guess would be the water pump going out. The water pump as you know is only running in tandem with the PS pump on it's own belt, so that rules out the AC/Alternator group.
Good luck, and let us know what you've found out.
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