Power steering squeeks when the wheel is turned

[JDT]

Hey guys, I recently got my serpentine belt on my car and I now have power steering again. But for some reason when I turn the wheel all the way in either direction the belt stop rotating and makes a loud noise. Could it be from not being tightened all the way? I would really like some help before I go back and redo it.

 

[bryanwheat]

That is pretty normal for the belt to squeal when you get to the lock. It's pretty simple, don't turn the wheel all the way and hold it there.

 

[untouchablecc]

I know its the obvious choice but low PS fluid will cause that. I have really tight belt tension on mine and i dont have any noise. I usually push on the belt with the car off to see how much slack there is. I shoot for minimal slack.

 

[JDT]

So you just live with it like that? The noise is unbearably loud. I had a talon and it never squeaked. I have little slack but I guess it could be tighter.

I'll check my PS fluid tomorrow.

 

[92 GSR-4]

Ummm. No car manufacturer would design a power steering system that required the operator to not turn the steering wheel through the entire range of motion...

Check the PS fluid and tighten the belt. It is not supposed to squeal. Once you get it resolved you'll see that it will operate smooth and quiet. Good luck!

 

[TrevorS]

Hey guys, I recently got my serpentine belt on my car and I now have power steering again. But for some reason when I turn the wheel all the way in either direction the belt stop rotating and makes a loud noise. Could it be from not being tightened all the way? I would really like some help before I go back and redo it.

Beware of just tightening the belt, that can kill bearings. First make sure the fluid level is correct and then make sure the belt deflection meets spec. Blindly tightening is an invitation to trouble.

 

[JDT]

I checked my PS fluid and it is a little on the low side so I guess I'll be adding some more. I tightened the belt and it solved my problem (for a while). While driving I noticed a weird noise that's really hard to explain but I know it was the PS belt. So I parked the car and turned off the engine to check under the hood and everything checked out. However I went to fire it back up and the belt squeaked loudly and I had no PS. Once again I checked everything and fired it back up and it seemed fine but still made a weird noise. I don't understand why it does this. Can someone point me to a good PS belt guide so I can double check everything?



Update: it turns out the bolt that holds the power steering pump was loose and was jamming the wheel. The wheel couldn't move but the belt was tight enough to spin causing the screeching.