All-

I found my power steering was squeeking to a quite loud level when cold lately. Once warm enough it would quit but that could take 5 min of driving.

I removed the front passenger wheel and ID'd the culprit as the PS accessory and I lubed carefully on the pulley w/ WD40 spray. I believe I avoided the belt totally.

The belt could be pulled tighter by hand (lower) by perhaps 0.5 inches which seemed similar to other belts on other cars.

Can anyone comment on squeeking power steering and if perhaps the belt was actually too loose and should be tightened or if the PS is squeeking for another reason and might need to be replaced? Mileage is approximately 115k miles. Also, info on how difficult to replace unit and tighten belt would be helpful if known.

Thanks!

 

We have the same issue on our '03 as well, with about 110k miles. I assumed it was just cold power steering fluid because it would go away after a few minutes. Haven't really bothered to diagnosis it because it hasn't been a problem.

 

Interesting to know it isn't just my car. For what it's worth, the squeek has not returned yet and it's been a week of quite cold weather for us (which normally would create long periods of this noise!).