04 Lexus RX330 steering column screeches when moving into positio

Hi,try putting a stop leak additive in the power-steering-pump reservare to stop the leak,and the screeching could be comeing from the belt that runs the power-steering-pump-pully.(It sounds like it might be slipping so will need adjusted).
Hope this was some help.

The screeching is the belt slipping, two possibilities, either the belt is not tight enough, or you have fitted a faulty pump which is putting to much resistance on the belt? If it carries on screeching for any length of time it will break. Check your alternator belt tension, if you had to remove and refit that? Quick check for alternator belt is, switch on headlights, does the screech get louder? Don't over tighten the belts, this puts stress on bearings!

A couple of things come to mind: if it wasn't screeching before replacing the belt, you may not have routed the belt properly - especially around the belt tensioner pulley; or the bearing on that pulley may need lubrication or replacement; or the A/C compressor bearing may have failed causing excessive resistance on the new belt resulting in screeching. Also, if the belt was not routed properly, the screeching may be coming from another belt-driven (power steering pump, water pump, etc.) but it doesn't sow up until you engage the A/C with its additional drag.

It sounds like the power steering pump itself is bad. You mentioned changing the pulleys. Does the vehicle screech or whine when turning the wheel in a parked position? There is also what is called the power steering gear box. They do sometimes go bad as well. I would also look for any leaks in the power steering hoses.

Your AC pump is starting to faiL. It's starting to bind and putting heavy back pressure on the belt causing it slip and screech. After the car cools off inside, the load on the AC compressor is lower and the sound will die down. Also when the belt gets hot it gets a little more flexible and grippy which also lowers sound.

Take it to an auto AC repair place and have it checked.

check power steering fluid

If your C/V joint is going bad it will make a nasty clicking sound and get louder the longer you leave it unattended.If this noise went away it could have been something stuck it the moving area of your wheel and just worked itself out.Keep an ear out for the noise to return,it it dosen't come back be happy.

If The Noise I Coming From Under The Center Of The Car You Have A Bad Rack & Pinion

The only four rotating items under the hood are
engine
power steering pump
A/C compressor
and smog emission pump.
==== I would check the fluid level on the power steering first. Check for pink fluid leak on the ground,
==== Check the A/C system with the wheel turn to one side and APPLY ALL LOADS.
Example: high beam on,A/C max,radio on and deforster on.
This will give you system a stress test.
All eyes on the pully and locate to part that generate the loud screeching noise.
My bet is on the power steering pump.

Please post more info on the comment window.
I will follow up on it.

Actualy it can be front drive shaft,