Eiderdown

Just bought a 1997 SL320 and it has a few issues that I need to sort out. There is a ticking noise coming from the pump but only when the transmission is in drive. It's loud enough you can hear it in the car.

I was planning to drive the car on a road trip before heading home...not sure if this is a slowly failing scenario or something imminent.

The fluid reservoir is full and not frothy. Moving the steering wheel back and forth while it's making the noise has no effect one way or the other.

I would prefer to wait and fix it when I get home. Any thoughts?