2G Power steering issue?

[Kodlor1]

Recently replaced timing/serpentine belt and pulleys but still hear whining from around the timing cover. Probed around and around to locate the noise and was convinced the whine was coming from the bottom end after pulling the belts. After parking today I happened to turn the steering wheel from left to right and realized the noise goes away? Just curious if the power steering is the culprit because in my experience the whine should become more apparent upon turning the wheel. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you!

 

[BlackDSMthingy]

Check your power steering fluid. Make sure it's full and doesn't have grey metallic in it. Make sure it doesn't smell burnt. If it's not too bad, I would do a power steering flush and see if it improves. If you use any type of additive, just make sure it's a reputable one. Some are too thick or have detergents that are too caustic for our systems. I've used the Lucas additive before with very good results, or the Amzoil fluid. If you notice any binding while turning lock to lock, check to make sure your ball joints and tie rods aren't frozen as well as your strut bearings. Any of these not moving freely will increase load on the pump causing it to whine. Low tire pressure will also do this. Easiest way is to jack up the front end with the car off and go lock to lock. It should almost move with your pinky once you start turning, or at least with one hand. Good luck...

 

[Kodlor1]

Thanks for the advice! The power steering fluid does smell fairly burnt so a flush is certainly in order. The strange thing is the motor was still making that "whine" even with all of the belts off. Is it possible that by turning the wheels from side to side it could just change the pitch or stop the noise all together by putting more strain on it? I still find it strange that the noise goes away upon turning the wheels. I'm really hoping its not a bearing..

 

[BlackDSMthingy]

Thanks for the advice! The power steering fluid does smell fairly burnt so a flush is certainly in order. The strange thing is the motor was still making that "whine" even with all of the belts off. Is it possible that by turning the wheels from side to side it could just change the pitch or stop the noise all together by putting more strain on it? I still find it strange that the noise goes away upon turning the wheels. I'm really hoping its not a bearing..

Ok, so when the P/S belt is off and the car is running it whines? Do you have to be moving? Is it only when you turn the wheels? Does it make noise only when it's running? I have a couple theories, just trying to narrow them down...

 

[Kodlor1]

Correct. When the belts are off and car is running it has a whine that comes and goes from the timing area. I can be parked or moving to hear the sound and the sound completely goes away when I turn the wheels.

 

[Kodlor1]

Ok, so when the P/S belt is off and the car is running it whines? Do you have to be moving? Is it only when you turn the wheels? Does it make noise only when it's running? I have a couple theories, just trying to narrow them down...

No noise present on cold starts and very quiet and intermittent while driving. Tends to get louder at idle after driving her a bit

 

[BlackDSMthingy]

Just to get it off my list of possibles, while you were doing the timing belt, did you happen to notice if the two front oil pan bolts were sticking through the holes? If the bolts are too long they'll hit the timing belt enough to cause a noise, but I've never heard of that noise going away when you turn the wheels... I'm more thinking now there's a part hitting another part and resonating. Check mounts and exhaust, anything that's close to the engine that may not be once things twist a little...

 

[Kodlor1]

Just to get it off my list of possibles, while you were doing the timing belt, did you happen to notice if the two front oil pan bolts were sticking through the holes? If the bolts are too long they'll hit the timing belt enough to cause a noise, but I've never heard of that noise going away when you turn the wheels... I'm more thinking now there's a part hitting another part and resonating. Check mounts and exhaust, anything that's close to the engine that may not be once things twist a little...

I'm going to take another look next week when I have time. It has got to be rubbing somewhere. Maybe the balance shaft tension is to tight? Thank you for the advice! This has been driving me nuts!

 

[BlackDSMthingy]

No problem. Let us know what you find. Hope it's something minor and stupid. It usually is...

 

[OGDSM1989]

when you did the timing belt ...... did you happen to change the timing belt tensioner, idler , water pump , oil pump ...... because if they are the old ones with a new timing adding new tension on those parts they could start to squeal and make noise ... so just to make sure I have all the info ( correct info )

 

[Kodlor1]

No problem. Let us know what you find. Hope it's something minor and stupid. It usually is...

So it was the balance shaft pulley... I checked everything prior but apparently it was no good. Of course something stupid and a lack of detail on my part. Thank you all for the help! Couldn't have been more pleased to know that was all it was

 

[o0GuitarKid0o]

Just goes to show that everything should be replaced at once ! At least it wasn't A failed tensioner that would have sucked !

 

[OGDSM1989]

Yeah I never let people change just the timing belt .... all idlers,tensioner and water pump at the minimum and I try for the oil pump also.