Help! Thought it was only in the cold but now doing it every startup. Belt seems pretty tight. Pully(s) on the engine seem to be taking a minute or 2 to get up to (fast) speed. Squeals like a pig and power steering kicks in and out at slow speeds. Any clues? Thanks to all!

 

replace your belts, Oh and make sure you NOT using powerstering fluit. use transmision fluid.

 

could also be the bearings in the pump thats what mine is i also have a tesioner bearing going out. i have new belts and they are tight

 

start looking at the tensioner pulleys,
we do have them don't we , I never looked

 

look also for temperature if it goes more than half way when apeneing the water pump having trouble... It did apend to me last month. was going on and off and then totaly off....hope this helps.

 

Thanks to all really!
Are the 2 visible pullys supposed to take time to "get up to speed" or does that indicate slippage?

It does sound like bearings cause I (think) I replaced all belts when I put in the JDM japanese engine a month ago. Is changing the power steering pump a maor ordeal? (or is it indeed driven by the water pump?)

Anyone know just how power steering works? Your thoughts are much appreciated.

 

Changing the p/s pump isn't that hard, but can be frustrating to get the pump out of there because it's really tight with the pass side axle. But you can twist and turn it to get it out of there. It is driven on the same belt as the water pump but it's a different pump.

 

My car was squealing too. I took it to my friend and he said it was squealing b/c hose was leaking power steering fluid. My friend said I should get my power steering pump and hose replaced. I still haven't gotten it replaced b/c every week or two I just add more power steering fluid to stop the squealing. It's a temporary solution til I get it fixed, but I least the noise is gone.

 

FYI, just because they're tight, doesn't mean everything is peachy. They may be old and glazed over, That'll make them do it too. Take your belt off, and try to turn the pulley by hand. If it won't turn, then you found your problem. If it does turn, check for leaks of anykind that may be getting on your belt. When in doubt, just replace the belt. Belts can fail anytime. That will be just one less thing to worry about later. Every 6 months, I change mine. Never had one fail on me yet, except for a water pump on the old mopar seizing up. Good luck.

 

Well it seems the belt was just too loose. Tightened (with the tensioner) and it seems fine, no noise no slippage. Mind you, we've been in a February thaw up here N. of Toronto... maybe the squeal will kick in again when it gets cold... as it always does here in Canada..lol.

Gotta love it when its the simple stuff....