Power steering squeal

[xero0620]

When I rev the engine and sometimes upon startup the power steering belt squeals or slips. It also does this when I turn the steering wheel all the way in one direction. I tried to add more tension to the belt but that didnt seem to help and I dont think I got it any tighter than it was. Could the belt be bad and if so is there a way to tell.

 

[gjz30075]

I had the same problem. The belt has to be pretty tight and I roughed up the inside of all the pulleys by holding a piece of 100 grit sandpaper in the 'V' while the engine is running . Be careful! The sandpaper roughed up the paint enough to allow the belt to grab and stop the squealing.

 

[Gud T.B. Blown]

Try using some silicone belt dressing, that is supposed to stop belt squeals.

 

[mikec35]

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[mikec35]

Did you just replace the belt?
If so then the new belt is too long if you cannot adjust it any tighter. If it's the same belt that has been on the car then it's stretched and needs to be replaced.
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[zookeeper]

Mike's right. Either it's the wrong belt, or it's shot, but it's slipping, replace it and I'll bet it goes away.

 

[xero0620]

I was wondering if it might be too long. It is the same belt that was on the car when I bought it. I guess thats one bad thing about buying a used car. You dont know whats been done to it until you do it yourself. There seems to be room for the ps pump to slide out more, I guess prying with a screw driver with one hand and wrench in the other isnt the right method for taking slack out of the belt.

 

[zookeeper]

Actually, that's about how I do it, except I use a thin pry bar with masking tape wrapped around it so I don't booger anything. Make sure you loosen BOTH the pivot and the locking bolt.

 

[mikec35]

That's exactly what I was going to suggest: a pry bar with a rag wrapped around it to avoid any damage. Good call!
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