Patm-a32

So noticed the begining of the week when i start my car first only when its real cold out it will make a loud squeal for 5-6 seconds then stop, when its warm out no sound. Second only at idle the steering wheel feels like its shaking or vibrating its not a rough idle just the steering wheel. When driving the car it turns fine feels normal, but when not moving any way i turn the wheel i get the squealing sound and feels like the wheel doesnt want to turn. I have put 50k on my car since i got it and never changed the power steering pump or belt, idk if previous owner had changed either one or not. There is no fluid leaks, the fluid is the right color and smells fine. What do u guys think belt or pump itself ? Im hoping its just the belt

njmaxseltd

iTrader: (19)

Either the belt is loose, glazed over or dried out.
If it's in good shape, tighten it.
If it's not in good shape, replace it.

Patm-a32

How do i know it isnt an issue with the pump

DennisMik

iTrader: (2)

We can never be 100% sure, but experience has shown this to be a problem with the belt.

With only a 99% assurance, we think it is the belt. But if you feel we are wrong, you are welcome to replace the pump. After all, it is your car.

Patm-a32

Ive had some bad luck with this car thats all haha im assuming its the belt as ive alone put 53k on the car and i changed the serpentine not to long ago but never the ps belt, is it easy to tighten if its in good condition ? Or is it a pain to change?

DennisMik

iTrader: (2)

For just tightening the belt, it is a pain it is a dirty, pain in the butt.

Patm-a32

If i were to just cut the belt off is there any tips on an easy way to get a new belt on?

bewrong

None of the easier ways will get you the correct belt tension.

Patm-a32

Whats the best way to do it if u know

bewrong

Jack up the front right corner of your car. Crawl under such that your head is under the oil pan and your feet pointed towards the trunk. Loosen 14mm (unsure?) bolt on back of power steering pump. Space is tight; I had to use a 14mm stubby, hook another wrench on the end of it, and beat the end of that with a hammer. The tensioner and smaller front bolt are accessible from inside the wheel well (take the wheel off first).

Try not to overtighten the rear bolt, because you may be needing to loosen it again in the future.

Patm-a32

For someone with smaller hands could back bolt he a bit easier ?

bewrong

I have small hands, that's not the problem. There's just not room for a decent-sized wrench. Maybe if you had one of those ratcheting wrenches.

Patm-a32

Yeah i have ratchet wrenches i also heard an extended ratchet with a swivel can help... I just hate going to a mechanic for things i can do.. I hate paying labor when i have mechanical knowledge lol some things are just a pain especially it being freezing in New England and not having a garage.. But just got a new ac compressor and new serpentine belt so the ps belt will be done when i get the time to do the compressor after i get it charged and get the freon stuff

Patm-a32

Also read this could have to do with the o rings allowing air into the system should i change that as well? I dont believe the pump is bad cause all is good on warm days and after about 5-10 minuets of driving no play or slop or stiffness while driving

mikeyen

I got my PS bolt out. Huge sense of accomplishment.

Took me about 90 minutes, 60 of which was spent finding the thing.

mikeyen

This video is actually pretty helpful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZaEqps0HEU

Quickywd01

iTrader: (16)

Yes it is.