RClurg84

I didn't want to hi-jack sgtpepper's thread, so I'll start a new one and describe my issue best I can. My squeal is coming from the power steering area. If I take the belt off and roller the idlers by hand will they squeak? Grind? I'm really hoping it's not the power steering pump. My sound happens in cold/hot conditions, at start up, after driving at operating temperatures. Happens with clutch depressed and not depressed. A/C off or on doesn't matter. Power steering fluid is good and still working. Any advice? I have to make a decision, do I drive it 40 miles for scheduled paint work/clear bra and address this after. Or should I cancel that and address this ASAP. Just want to know what potential issues would be if I addressed after paint work. Should I not drive it at all? If it's just the power steering pump bearing making that noise and it does fail, will I just lose power steering, will anything else not work? I know lot s of questions, be gentle! working on getting video attached.

RClurg84

Hopefully this works.

32krazy!

sounds like an idler pully going bad. drop the belt and spin them . should spin freely. as for driving it should be ok just dont let it go to long before addressing the issue

RClurg84

I think you're correct. So I did just drop the belt and I think it's the pulley right next to the power steering. I loosened the bolt all the way out to expose the bearing inside. I sprayed a little bit of wd40 on it, buttoned it all back up. Started the car, it sounded better but still a slight squeal. Next question is how do I get that pulley out. I had the bolt as far as I could but the head was hitting the cross brace. I wanted to get that pulley out and get some good lube on the bearing, until I can get the replacement here. Any help there would be appreciated.

pfbz

See the link I posted in sgtpepper's thread for discussion of this...

I wouldn't bother trying to lube it, just get the new parts and put 'em in. Any effect on noise external grease will have won't do squat to prevent it from seizing.

pfbz

Copied the link...

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...-question.html

The short answer is to gently pry against the shield to get the extra 1/4"-3/8" you need to get the bolt out.

Note that i haven't actually done this, but this is the approach I would take if I was replacing the idler.

RClurg84

Thanks for the link.

Kevinmacd

+1 on the idler pulley, tensioner.

RClurg84

Update: replaced the idler pulley (ordered from autoatlanta) next to power steering pump. The squeal is gone. Thanks for the help 32krazy, pfbz, and kevinmacd. The link that PFBZ supplied worked perfect.

pfbz

Nothing quite as satisfying as a problem fixed with your own hands!

RClurg84

So true!