Squealing

It sounds like the power steering pump is loose. You should not have more than 1/2 inch up and down play. If there is more, adjust or replace the belt.
1. Press the V belt, applying a pressure of 98 N (10 kg, 22 lbs.) at the specified point and measure the deflection to confirm that it is within the standard value.
standard value
V belt deflection: 6 - 9 mm
2. If the belt deflection is beyond the standard value, adjust the belt tension as follows.

1. Loosen the bolt adjusting the power steering "V" belt tension.
2. Put a bar or equivalent, between the bracket and the oil pump and adjust the tension so that the belt deflection is within the standard value.
3. Tighten the bolt adjusting the power steering "V" belt tension.
4. Check the belt deflection and adjust it again if necessary.

Let me know what you find.
Joe

See the diagrams below

I have a 2003 Hyundai Elantra with 142,000 miles. Which progressively got worse. After a few weeks the squealing continued and when you turn the steering wheel, the pump will shut off and all power steering is lost. We've changed the pump, ps belt and the rack and still have the squealing problem with the pump shutting off. Does you have any idea what we should try next? This has been a very frustrating problem. We were considering changing the ball joints but are not sure if this will fix it.

Is the P/S belt by its self or is this a serpentine belt (one belt for everything) ? If serpentine I would check the drive belt tensioner, might be too weak to hold tension against a hydraulic pump.

I recently had the timing belt, water pump, serpentine belts (alternator and A/C compressor) and tension-er pulley all changed and I still have a squealing sound when I start my car. The sound is prevalent when the engine is cold, but after running a few minutes, the sound stops. My nephew did the work for me and he is at a loss as to what could be causing it. Any ideas as to what the problem could be? I did not have this issue before all the work was done. Thanks for the help.

Hello,

It sounds like the belt tensioner is not doing its job correctly or not adjusted right, but to be sure remove the serpentine belts and start the car to see if the noise is gone. This will confirm the belt is the problem.

If so then double check the size of the belt and make sure the tensioner spring is working correctly. Here is a diagram (below).

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-serpentine-belt

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-serpentine-belt-tensioner-works

Please let us know what happens, we are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken

Hi Ken....Thanks for getting to my previous Q concerning the issue I had with my Elantra. As it turned out, it was the alternator that was the cause of the noise. I bought a new one and the squealing sound is gone. Thank God!!! Thanks again for your help!! Have a Blessed Day!!!

Nice work, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.

Cheers, Ken

When turning the steering wheel, there is a screaching noise. Visual indicated that the pump pulley almost stops. If the steering is returned to straight ahead, the squealing stops. Adjusted the belt tighter than spec with no change. Is this a pump problem. plugged filter, or ???

If the tension on the belt is good, check the fluid level, and if OK, the pump, or rack is bad.

The fluid level is ok. Is there a way to check the pump or do I have to replace it first to see if it fixes the problem?

SYSTEM TESTS STEERING PUMP PRESSURE TEST 1. Disconnect pressure hose from oil pump. Install pressure tester between pump and pressure hose using Gauge (09572-22100) and Adapter (09572-22000). See Fig. 1 . See SPECIAL TOOLS . 2. Bleed air from system. Start engine and allow it to idle. Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock several times until fluid temperature reaches 122 °F (50 °C). Raise engine idle speed to 1000 RPM. 3. Close and open shutoff valve to measure fluid pressure. Relief pressure should be at or near specification. See RELIEF PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS table. If relief pressure is not as specified, replace pump. See POWER STEERING PUMP under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. CAUTION: DO NOT leave shutoff valve on pressure gauge closed more than 10 seconds, or damage to oil pump will result.

I have a 2002 Hyundai Elantra GLS When starting the car I am hearing a squealing sound like a belt slipping & the steering wheel buck when I try to turn it, when I start the car. I have checked the belts & Power steering fluid levels they are all good. is this an indication that the power steering pump is going bad?

I have checked the belts & Power Steering Fluid Levels they are all fine.

I love this site!

It could be; however, are you certain the belt is tight enough?

Yes per my owner's manual & a ruler I checked/measured the amount of play in the belt right at 5.1cm plus I just had all the belts replaced when I had the car serviced 3 months ago

What I suggest is to remove the belt and check to see if any of the belt driven accessories are free and not locking up.

I just replaced all three belts in my 2000 hyundai and ever since then one of the belts have been squealing. The car starts squealing when I turn on the car and lasts for about 2 minutes and then when the car heats up, the belts squeal when I either turn the car or when I stop at a stop light and then accelerate. But these squeals are not consistent, they happen at random times. Belt oil (or the thing they put on squealing belts) helps for a bit, but only for a few days at most.

Chances are the belts have stretched. I would retighten them. As far as the steering, that would be the PS belt. As far as the noise when you start it, chances are that is from the alt belt.

Let me know if you find the problem.

Joe

First time cars started after its been sitting for a while a power steering belt squeals. The belt has been changed and is tight.It appears the power steering pump stops turning breifley.It did not have this promblem before the belt had been changed.

Hi there,

If the pump is faulty and showing signs of seizing, i would be replacing it, may be you can get the pump operation tested first, just to make sure.

mark (mhpautos)

When I reverse or have it in drive and slightly turn the staring wheel there let's out a really loud squeal noise , I just drove on the highway for about a 2 hour trip and this noise has started. I recently got my oil changed and all my fluids topped up. So I'm wondering if it has to do with my power steering or possibly my belt. Also I have another issue as well when I'm accelerating I hear a loud humming noise I'm wondering if those are my bearings that may also need to be changed.

My guess since I am not able to hear the noise for myself that it can be the power steering belt causing the squealing noise. My other guess would be maybe brakes. Some of my customers will actually come in and say "squealing" but its more like a metallic screeching. If it doesn't sound like that, then its probably the belt. Check to see if the belt is worn or feels loose. If it looks worn or cracked, replace it. While you're in there, check the other drive belts as well and if you haven't gotten a timing belt service done yet, I would highly recommend performing the timing belt service since removing and replacing the drive belts are usually already factored into the repair. I would also just remove the tires and take a peek at the brake pads to make they're not below specifications. If they are, the warning clip would be rubbing on the rotor. The loud humming noise can very well be the wheel bearings going bad. Another thing it may be are choppy tires. By choppy tires, I mean if you take your hand and rub the tread of the tire on the inside, middle, or outside and it feels wavy as if your hand is going up and down. That will definitely cause a noise that may be interpreted as a bad wheel bearing. The way I like to check wheel bearings is to jack up the front end, have someone go inside the vehicle, make sure the parking brake is applied, and put the vehicle in drive while another person stands by the front tires listening to which side is louder, if you can't determine, try holding the strut where the bottom of the coil spring is and feel for roughness. Compare that feeling to each side and the side that does not feel smooth is the bad side. Best of luck and let me know what you find.

My question is "What may be the problem if, when I am sharply turning, I am hearing a loud squealing sound when the weather is extra cold. And occasionally when I am driving forward also I hear this sound. I'm wondering if it's just because of the extreme cold or may there be a real concern??"

could be your belt. would be most likely to make the sound right when engne is started. you can buy a can of belt dressing and pput some on, not too much though. even if that is not the squeek, you will not hurt or even loose anything.