So my car has always had a problem, especially when the weather turns cold, of the most horrible squealing noise from the power steering pulley/belt. I've done just about everything I can to stop it and it always seems to find it's way back again. The belt has been adjusted multiple times with different tensions to no avail. Belt dressing doesn't seem to help either.

What's strange is that when the wheel is turned, the power steering pulley won't continue to spin normally.
Here's a video to illustrate whats going on. WARNING: Semi-loud. lmao.gif

Loudish video

I'm thinking possibly something has been overtightened somewhere or something may need to be lubricated. Any ideas?

Nothing like slapping on a turbo kit, replacing your engine, and swapping transmissions just to have your butt handed to you by a stupid belt. laugh.gif
Thanks guys

 

My bet is you need a new powersteering pump. This happened in my very first car, a nissan pulsar, when I was in high school. Replaced the belts, nothing. adjusted tension, still squealed like hell. Replaced the powersteering pump, BINGO!

I'm not sure if you can service the internals of the pump itself. Someone may be able to chime in and shed light on it if there is any light to be shed.....


Just out of curiosity, did you check the powersteering fluid levels lately? If you want to try a quick fix that might get you by for a few months (got me by for about 8 months!). My folks didnt have much money so we had to wait to get my powersteering fixed in that Nissan. So.....we got Lucas Oil Powersteering Stop Leak. Pretty much solved my problem completely until we had the money to finally replace the pump. That shit is good stuff, let me tell you! Give that a shot maybe before you shell out the big bucks for a new pump. Also, make sure your fluid lines are not clogged.

 

Ah actually I JUST replaced the pump in a desperate attempt to fix this, so I don't know what the deal is. Fluid levels are full as well. Only thing I haven't checked is for clogged lines. Could that really cause the pulley to not turn properly?
Thanks for the help

Would it be helpful to grease the "spinning assembly" on the different pulleys or something? I'm stumped here...
ANY ideas would be appreciated folks

 

MMK, I know this thread is coming up on dead, almost two months with no replies, but I do have something to contribute. Promise.

Check TSB number 08-ST-001, it talks about an issue in which the filter screen in the bottom of the power steering reservoir can get clogged and cause the fluid to aerate, thus you get the notorious whine. I'd recommend pulling out your reservoir and taking a peek, especially if you've already replaced the pump.

 

Wow man good find. I know 01steve has had a problem with the PS whine for a while now. He's pretty sure it's the belts but I'm going to bring this up.

 

Guess I should have posted a follow up or something. Another user posted a similar thread to this about the same time I started this one, and through it, a member recommended I simply replace my belt. After doing so, the squeak was gone completely. Seems so obvious, but the old belt appeared to be in good shape (no cracking, fraying or residue of any kind).

Thanks for the heads up though jmans, if it starts again, I'll definitely look into that.

 

the problem w/ mine seemed to be the obx pulley-... the belt constantly slipping wore grooves on either side of where the belt sits pretty much polishing the sand blasted surface i had to a high polish.