Troubling noise when I start my 02.

[HNTMUP]

So this just started. Starts as soon as I start the engine. Sounds (and feels) like is something in the steering. A low whining sound that I can feel in the steering wheel. Gets worse when I turn the wheels, almost feels and sounds like a belt. It eventually quiets down/goes away when the engine warms.

Have 258k miles and would like to get to 300 before I take the plunge and buy a new one. Replaced the belt and water pump in January and everything has been running great. Thoughts/suggestions as to what the problem(s) might be and the reasonable cost of repair?

Thanks.

 

[Scramble]

I just had the same thing happen to me 2 weeks ago. I tightened up the power steering belt and all is good. The belt has 15,000 miles on it & still looks good.

 

[gamefreakgc]

2nd on tightening the power steering belt. There's a bolt you access that's behind the pump on the side of the engine.

 

[HNTMUP]

Thanks guys. No idea how old mine is. How long should one last?

 

[Scramble]

Thanks guys. No idea how old mine is. How long should one last?

I had to Google that question...

Most belts are designed to last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. However, yours should be inspected at every single maintenance interval (every oil change). This ensures that you’re able to keep an eye on the belt’s condition and catch it before it fails. If you’re able to replace it before it breaks, you avoid the prospect of being stranded on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck. Your belt may also need to be tightened (manual tensioning systems) or the auto-tensioner might need to be inspected or maintained.

Knowing the signs to watch for that indicate your power steering belt is about to fail will help prevent you from being stranded. These include:

Squealing from under the hood after the engine starts (indicates a stretched belt)
Cracks on the belt
Cuts or nicks on the belt
Missing or damaged grooves on the belt
Glazing on the belt (appears shiny)

 

[HNTMUP]

I had to Google that question...

Most belts are designed to last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. However, yours should be inspected at every single maintenance interval (every oil change). This ensures that you’re able to keep an eye on the belt’s condition and catch it before it fails. If you’re able to replace it before it breaks, you avoid the prospect of being stranded on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck. Your belt may also need to be tightened (manual tensioning systems) or the auto-tensioner might need to be inspected or maintained.

Knowing the signs to watch for that indicate your power steering belt is about to fail will help prevent you from being stranded. These include:

Squealing from under the hood after the engine starts (indicates a stretched belt)
Cracks on the belt
Cuts or nicks on the belt
Missing or damaged grooves on the belt
Glazing on the belt (appears shiny)

Great. Thanks. I did search google and came up with several YouTube videos none of which were particularly helpful.