Power Steering is Squeaking Options

[aspen]

My power steering has been squeaking when I crank the wheel left or right, although it occasionally squeaks just after I've started the car or when the steering is under a bit of a load.

The fluid is fine. My dad's suggestion was to check the belt tension, could this lead to it and would it be a valid reason?


TiA!

[94TRDcelica]

I did this yesterday because I had a squeaking belt!

1. Jack the car up and remove the wheel (Drivers side UK, Passenger side US).
2. Remove the under tray bolts including the two located in the wheel arch!
3. Get a light under there and you will see the power steering belt, pulley and pump. The pump is located just above the crossmember.
4. Get a 14mm (I think or 17mm) spanner, something with a longish handle and undo but don't remove the bolt that clamps the pump in place, It should be sitting just below and to the side of the pulley and be in a slightly curved mounting bracket - This is the tensioner.
5. Once you have released the tension the unit will probably move but for a bit more freeplay loosen the bolt at the top of the pump, located slightly above the pullley.
6. To change the belt your going to have to take off the alternator/fan belt, this is easier - Just loosen the alternator tensioner pulleyand the belt should slide right off.
7. back under the car, remove the fan belt from the crank pulley and pop on new power steering belt.
8. Ensure the V lines match and line correctly on the pulley rails.
9. Once the belt is on push the pump unit up to provide tension on the belt. Using a long/strong screwdriver wedged in the track of the lower bolt mount you can pry the pump to its maximum position, or as much as is required to prevent slipping. Then using the spanner retighten the bolt.
10. Check for any slippage by moving the belt, it should be real tight! If not re-adjust using the previosus steps. If OK - tighten up top bolt.
11. Check all lines going to the pump are in good condition and connected.
12. re-instal the fan belt around the cracnk pulley up to the AC (If you have it) to the tensioner pulley and around the alternator pullley and tension up again.
13. Turn ignition on and do a quick test turning the wheels for any odd noises.
14. re-instal under tray and wheel.
15. Jack down.
16. Go for a drive and feel the difference!

If you need to replace the power steering fluid its a good idea to do this now! Fluid should be a thick deep red kind of colour. If its black it needs changing!