Hi I just replace my water pump and the power steering belt. After I put it all back together and took it out for a drive I can hear a squealing sound. So you hear the sound when u are parked and trying to turn the wheel or when u are driving it cold and trying to turn but when it have warmed up u only hear it when it's parked. Any ideas besides it's the wrongs power steering belt?

SOURCE: Steering problem 1997 Dodge Ram

the half shaft does not need to go in a certain way, Just as long as you get it in all the way. when checking steering play to see where it is. It's best to leave the truck off. Turn ignition on but dont start to unlock steering column, Then look by driverside tire while your buddy just turns the wheel only the amount of free play it has. Just back and forth usually a few inchs. till it starts getting tight. "Look at the steering shaft and you will see it turning back and forth. Then Look at the output on the pitman arm. It should move back and forth with steering shaft. slower but at the same rate. If it does not. you need a gearbox. but read up because you can adjust some of them with a locknot and screw on top of box. If it's ok. look at the drag link. And down the line. eventually you'l find the problem. Any more Q e-mail me at [email protected]
:)

SOURCE: Clicking/Squealing When Turning Wheel

Sounds like the belt needs replacement, or at least check the belt tension. Check your power steering fluid level and condition. Most power steering systems specify ATF fluid, so it should be red not black, brown, or milky. If it is black, the power steering has overheated for some reason. If its milky, it is contaminated by water. In either case, the fluid should be replaced.

Bad alignment or worn steering gear can cause the pump to have to work overtime. Have your alignment and front end checked. If these are fine, the pump or steering rack may have failed.

The clicking noise is likely a CV joint. Stick your head under the front of the car (properly chock the rear wheels first of course) and look for the rubber bellows looking things that go to the center of the front wheels. If there is any grease leaking from the CV boots near the wheel or the transmission, that is where your clicking noise is coming from.

John Quinn

• 286 Answers
• Posted on Jan 15, 2009

SOURCE: loud squealing from power steering pump - do I need new PS pump?

Hi Norman,

Sounds like the adjustment may not be correct on the power steering belt, with the tension not being enough, after you replaced the belt ?

Try giving it a little more tension, and go from there.

Hope I have been of help.

Good Luck !

John.

SOURCE: power steering noise

The belt is almost assuredly to tight and needs to be loosened just a hair. It is hard sometimes to get the tension just right. Try looseneing it a bit and hopefully that will help. I have had the same problem in the past.

SOURCE: 2001 eclipse steering wheel wont turn

low power steering fluid/ bad power steering pump