Squealing steering???

[sketchy-d]

hey guys, this started happening the other day. Went for a drive and coming back down the hill, whenever id steer a loud squealing sound (almost like a belt slipping) started coming from (or sounds like it came from) the right front wheel arch. When i got home i topped up the power steer fluid, the sound then went away for about a week but now its making noise again and power steering fluid is at the right level. The belt is tight and not slipping, any ideas what this could be? Any help would be appreciated cheers guys =)

[Koom]

Tyre rubbing on inner-guard somewhere?

How old is the belt? Can you get it to make the same sound just by turning full lock while stationary?

[monolith]

From what you've said my money would be on the alternator/power steer belt. I know, you say it's tight and not slipping... but as it's the most obvious place to start I'd check there first.

I don't think there's an easy way to tell if it's "tight" or not, without previous experience really. Also, if the belt is oldish it may be in average condition, with cracking/glazing on the inside. Again, without knowing what to look for you may be better off taking it to a mechanic.

Alternatively, turn your stereo up.

[Guest boostcut]

you think the belt is tight, but the teeth on the belt wear and then the tooth bottom out in the groove on the pulley, this causes it to slip as theres fuck all contact area left. change the belt, make sure its filled with oil and drive on.

[DRFVDR]

 boostcut said:

you think the belt is tight, but the teeth on the belt wear and then the tooth bottom out in the groove on the pulley, this causes it to slip as theres f*** all contact area left. change the belt, make sure its filled with oil and drive on.

Yup this would be my take on it as well

replace belt

tighten belt

fill PS resivoir

drive

RETIGHTEN Belt (easily forgotten but the first 1/2 hr is when belt stretches most )

[sketchy-d]

will try tightening belt today, cheers guys. Its is silent when stationary and when moving slowly it sounds more like a scratching sound, which changes to more of a squeal after about 40ks. Thanks again.

[gazzy2000]

my old 97 STI had a similar noise, low steering fluid was the culprate in that case