Squealling Power Steering belt or Pump

[Tom M.]

I installed one of the power steering renew kits with a rebuilt p.s. Pump, and control valve. Now at idle the car is fine, when I step on it, the belt or the p.s pump squeals like a stuck pig. Anyone have any ideas on how to correct this problem?

Thanks,
Tom McCAbe

[Harmon C.]

Loose belt? *NM*

[Roger S Coen #30751]

Re: Squealing Power Steering belt or Pump

When ever I have experienced P/S noise like that its been because the fluid was not being circulated (not enough fluid, hoses on wrong, pump bad etc.).

[Joe L.]

Re: Squealling Power Steering belt or Pump

Tom-----

I think that the other responders have pretty much covered it. I'd recommend the following:

1) check the belt for proper tension

2) make sure the belt is not rubbing anywhere; this is often a problem with Corvette ps belts;

3) make sure that the pullies align properly. Incorrect pullies are a common problem with Corvettes even though there were only a few pullies EVER originally used for Corvette applications;

4) Make sure that the hydraulic system has been properly purged of air. The procedure is covered in your Chevrolet Factory Service Manual.

[Tom M.]

Thanks All, I'm an Idiot!!!

Yes, it was a loose belt, I checked the alt to pump belt as the first thing, and it seemed fine, so I started checking other options, without looking at the other belt, which I believe is the culprit, I can turn it almost completely around, the only problem is it seems the belt stretched about 1/2 inch there isn't enough room in the braket to take up the slack, so I will try a new belt tonight.

Thanks for the help,

Tom

[Craig S.]

Re: Thanks All, I'm an Idiot!!!

Tom - since you mention alt to pump belt....I am guessing you may have a BB setup. The way they belt these engines is less than optimal in my estimation, as the alternator load and PS load are all carried through one drive belt to the crankshaft. This makes it very easy for that lower PS pump drive belt to slip since both loads are carried on it....and condition and tension are critical....Craig