The title pretty much explains the issue that I'm having. I'm not really experienced on cars so I thought I would ask here to see if anyone knows what it is or has the same problem.

Basically, anytime it's cold outsider (under 40 degrees), when I first start the car and I try to turn the steering wheel (whether I'm backing out of a parking spot, or whatever) a really loud squeal comes from underneath the hood. It sounds like a belt is loose or not gripping or something. When this happens I also pretty much lose power steering as it becomes a lot harder to turn the wheel and as I keep turning it will keep squealing.

After I've drove it for a couple minutes I won't have that problem again until I start it up again after it's been sitting in the cold.

Anyone have an idea on what this is or why this is happening?

Thanks in advanced for any help!

 

Have you checked your power steering fluid level?

 

first check your power steering fluid and top it up but secondly it sounds like it is just that as you described. When your power steering belt is a little loose it will squeal as your turning. You can check the condition of your power steering belt and adjust the tensioner pully to tighten the belt. If it's been squealing for some time now chances are the belt may be a little worn and need to be changed. Make sure there is a good amount of tension on the belt when you adjust the tensioner. Generally even when you put a new belt on it will be fine for a little while then it may strech a little causing it to squeal a little again so when this happens just tighten it back up again and you should be good to go as this is normal for a new belt to stretch a little when it's being broken in.

 

get belt conditioner and spray your power steering belt. Also check your fluid level.

 

shouldnt need belt conditioner. as said, check the fluid level. if the level is okay, make sure the drive belts are in good shape and tight. if its only when cold, its most likely just something with the belts and not a bigger problem like the rack or pump

 

if it squeals you are driving too fast.
40 is hot. it's -22 F right now in here.

Ok, really, your PS belt is worn..... replace both belts and be done with it for a few years.

Do not use any belt crap spray. If your belt screams, it's worn, replace it. It doesnt need any sticky scrap spray.

If you cant afford to replace both belts, you cant afford a max.

 

Belts don't only squeal/scream when worn, moisture, cracking, and changes in climate will also cause this. The conditioner keeps it from drying up and cracking. Also keeps moisture from accumulating on the belt causing it to slip. Have used the stuff for over 15 years myself and will continue to do so.

 

Thanks for all the replies! I figured it had to do something with the belt but I just thought I would check here first. My power steering fluid is still above the "low" line but just barely so I'll be sure to top that off. It's been doing it for about year now..I first noticed it last Winter and then it didn't so it over the summer but now it is again. I'll probably just replace the belt to knock it out of the way. Once again, thanks for the help

 

belts should only squeal if theyre worn, a pulley is bad, or theyre not tight enough. ive driven in -40c, +40c, through nearly 3 feet of water, and never ever have i had a belt squeal unless there was another problem. moisture should only cause squealing if you wash the engine or something and the squeal should last a few seconds

conditioner just reduces friction on the surface and temporarily solves the problem

 

http://www.yourepair.com/1033/howto-...squealing.html just one of many links I could post. You are correct in that they squeal if worn, bad, or not tight enough. You are wrong in that water doesn't cause squealing, and that belt dressing is a temp fix to a much larger problem. It could be, but not necessarily.

 

I gotta say i agree with chrome91. The belt dressing is a temporary fix and long term use of it isnt very good for the rubber besides for the price of a new belt it's piece of mind just change it and be done with it. The point of this thread was to help hondarydr out with his power steering sqeal and it looks like hondarydr acknowledged the suggestions by thanking everyone and said he's probably going to just go ahead and top up his fluid and change his belt.

 

I am just providing information to make an assessment based on such. I removed a plastic piece in the wheel well that covers the oil filter and bottom pulley and got this "squeal" when it rained out until everything warmed up. I knew it wasn't my belts, because it only happened under the same conditions and my belt was only a couple months old and replaced by me so I knew it was done correctly and torqued to spec. Used the dressing I had sitting in the garage that was mainly used on my Escalade and don't get that noise anymore. When it happens I wait till it is dry and add some more.