The power steering is out and I can hear a pulley going bonkers. There is a squealing sound like a belt isn't catching, and also an oscillating sound like a pulley is loose and moving back and forth or something. Engine light is on. How can I change the power steering belt? Where is the power steering pump?

Mary,

This type of problem is best checked by a trusted mechanic. I doubt you'd hear squealing noises from the crankshaft or harmonic balancer; but it is likely to be heard from a belt tensioner pulley, water pump (or other belt-driven devices under the hood - such as the alternator, power steering pump, etc.). A loose or slipping belt can also cause this noise.

Spraying WD-40 on the source of the squeal may quiet the sound - but not solve the problem that is causing it. By simply masking the problem with WD-40 instead of fixing it - you run the risk of the squealing part failing catastrophically - probably at the least desirable place and time.

For your own safety and convenience, have this problem checked and repaired properly.

Good luck!

One of the accessory bearings could be going out
(I.E.-alternator,water pump,etc)If the noise is near an idler or tensioner pulley,it could also have a bad bearing.The best thing to do is remove the serpentine belt or release the tensioner pulley so the belt is loose,then you can spin each accessory pulley by hand and listen for the noise.You'll also feel the pulley dragging while you spin it and it might have a ratchety feel to it(in other words,as you're rotating the pulley you'll feel it spin somewhat freely and then it will feel as if its catching on something) If the belt itself is bad,it usually makes a squealing or chirping sound.If your vehicle has a vbelt drive with multiple belts,check the pullies the same way as described above and make sure the belts are all tight.A loose belt normally causes a squealing noise rather than a whining noise.Check your power steering fluid level too because the pump will whine if it gets low on fluid.

Bearings in Alternator, water pump, power steering pump or even a squeal from Vacuum line, EGR diaphram or similar. Check power steering fluid level.



Now when you replaced the tensioner, did you notice more pulleys that were just "there" and not connected to anything? These are idler pulleys and are helpful in routing the belt. They have bearings too!

Pleae rate my info.

Possible solution may be a new serpentine belt. When you turn the steering wheel it is an added torque/tension against the belt from the power steering drive pulley. A worn and dry belt may tend to squeal as the extra grip on that pulley is applied. You would have to pinpoint just where the squeal is coming from to be sure the power steering pump is the origin of the noise. There may also be other reasons if its due to a worn out belt, idler and tensioner pulley's could be making noise as well.

Yes, very simple....about 15 minutes and around $25 for the pulley.

The belt tensioner also could cause this problem, another easy fix.

Try taking the belt off, and start up the engine. Do you still hear that sound? If not, you're on the right track with the Idler Pulley. This sounds like a power steering pump starting to go out when they are bad, not a high pitched squeal.

Try replacing the belt tensioner. That is the most common issue with these. You can use the "broom handle listening" trick. It will give you a slight noise when running if this is the issue.

Secondly, try "belt dressing"...usually 5 bucks at your local auto store. Don"t use aremourall or anything else as you"ll stretch your belt causing power sterring "hop"

The squeal you hear is the bearing going south.

I think that you need new belts a quick check should cost you nothing at a reputable repair shop

Sounds like your serpentine belt. I would check the condition of your belt on the engine. It is possible that you could also have power steering pump issues. Check belt condition first, Second if the belt is not glazed and looks ok remove the belt and check movement on power steering pump pulley to see what what type of resistence is presen while turning pulley. If so, pump should be replaced. This could be causing belt to slip and make the squeeling that you are hearing. If no resistence on pump replace belt and varify repair. Good luck.....

Try removing the belt and turning each pulley by hand. If everything is smooth and free, with the belt still off, drive down the block once and see if the noise is there (this will eliminate all rotating accessories on the front). If you hear the noise, then there is a problem deeper inside. Oil pressure is good? Dont' forget when doing this, you will have no power steering, so be careful.

Hi! The pulley could be worn or the belt is not properly adjusted.Causing the belt not to grip the pulley but slide on it,creating a friction.