Need help with loud screeching noise - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

stockcammy · 03-01-2006, 07:28 AM

Since the weather has gotten cold (last 3 months) my 2000 Camry has had a loud screeching belt problem. About the same time, my steering wheel wouldn't turn in the morning or after my car has been sitting for a few hours in the cold. I got the power steering pump replaced (ouch!) and the sound went away for about a week. Now it is back, but I have notice one thing, it seems to be worse when I have front defrost on. Now it seems that the air is not as warm as it was. Could it be the compressor, a belt, something else power steering pump related, or just something else? Can I try and tighten the belt by myself? If so, where is the compressor and how do I do it?

Thanks,
Brian

Hajoca · 03-01-2006, 09:43 AM

How old is your accessory belt? and is it tightened properly?

BlackCamSe · 03-01-2006, 11:21 AM

IT is worse when you turn on the defroster because your belt has to work harder to spin the compressor. And you weel doesnt turn because the poewrsteering bump is ran by the belt. Tighten your belt or get a new one. I use armorall on my belts. Keeps them from drying out.

Hajoca · 03-01-2006, 11:33 AM

To Stockcammy

ArmorAll or any belt dressing is not your solution. Check for good belt at proper tension.

Any dressing you put on at this time will just cause more slipage, which will lead to the belt wearing out even more and breaking.

stockcammy · 03-01-2006, 02:11 PM

The serpintine belt was replaced last year and supposedly the other belts. If it is just the tension, how do I tighten it? Does anyone have pictures of which belt and where it is that I will need to check?

Thanks