rather squeaky turns...

[rsmichelutti]

'ello

I drive a 4-cylinder 1996 a/t wagon. I noticed it initially when I first started my car in the morning and I would turn the wheel as I was backing out. (it makes a quieter version of the stereotypical worn-belt noise.....but only when i am turning the wheel, mind you.) It sounds like it's coming from somewhere under the hood....

It doesn't seem to matter whether my foot is on the brake or not, and only makes the noise when i am cranking the wheel (either direction) with a cold engine.

My next step was to check the power steering fluid, and it turned out it was slightly low 2 weeks ago (a little under "cold min" when my car sat overnight). So, I refilled it (no biggie) so it was slightly below "cold max". I checked it again yesterday, and it's below "cold min" again Now I am thinking I have a leak somewhere, and the constant lack of fluid is causing it to squeak...but why would it be doing this only when the engine is cold? It is now starting to get progressively louder, and I really don't want to pay a lot.....

Please help me narrow this down!

[Mister_Perkins]

your power steering belt probably needs replaced or tensioned!

To do this, its very simple.

1. jack the car up and support it properly with stands
2. Remove the passenger side tire
3. Remove the Splash shield (two 10mm bolts)
4. loosen the Adjusting bolt (12mm)
5. Grab a crow bar or something hard and pry the power steering pump towards the back of the car so the belt gets tight.
6. Hold the bar in place and tighten the 12mm adjusting bolt.

- Done!



As far as loosing fluid, while you are checking the belt out.. Check around for power steering fluid. It could be squeaking because the fluid is getting on the belt!