62 power steering pump belt squeal

[Forbird]

I just had a my steering box rebuilt and now I am getting a bunch of belt squeal. Not only at lock to lock but also when I am not moving and turn the wheel left and right. I am also getting some squeal on acceleration but that is very hit or miss.

[simplyconnected]

For a squealing belt, it is essential to address the issue promptly. Ignoring the noise can lead to further damage to the belt and associated components. Regular maintenance, including checking belt tension, alignment, and inspecting for fluid leaks, can help prevent belt squeal and ensure the longevity of your vehicle's belt system. In colder temperatures, fluids become thicker and rubber belts can become stiff and lose their flexibility, making them more prone to slipping when the engine starts. A low battery is often why squealing is more noticeable during cold start.

"Hit and miss" can happen when the battery is finally charged, then the electrical demand increases, like when your headlights and heater motor are on during idle time. Then, when you start out, the charging system pulls more belt power. - Dave

[Forbird]

The belt is brand new and has been tightened. Pulleys seem to be aligned properly. It’s cold but only SoCal could. Meaning like 50 degrees in the morning. It actually seems less prevalent during the early morning start up than late on in the day when it’s heated up a little.

[Forbird]

Could this be caused by the worm gear adjuster being too tight?

[simplyconnected]

Could this be caused by the worm gear adjuster being too tight?

Try spinning the pulley by hand with the belt off. You should feel no resistance.

Sometimes I use a timing light while the engine is running. See if any pulley stops while the belt keeps moving.

[Forbird]

So I took the belt off and the pulley turns freely. When I have the car running in park and turn the wheel it squeals like crazy and the pulley at the pump slows down a bunch and belt slips on the pulley

[aa010175]

Could possibly be the wrong belt? My 62 with A/C had no squeal in it till I removed the power steering belt to replace the generator belt. I reinstalled the belt and did not have it tight enough. It squeal until l really tightened it. Good luck mine was a B trying to get the belt tight.

[Forbird]

My generator belt was squealing lately but I put some shims on it because it was not aligned properly. It was squealing when I gave it some throttle. That stopped when I added the shims. I am pretty sure it is the pump belt that is squealing because it is slowing down when the steering wheel is turned. A lot has been going on recently with both systems. My generator was not charging the battery until I installed a new voltage regulator and that’s when the belt started squealing. My mechanic recently rebuilt and rebuilt the gearbox and that is when the belt started squealing.

[jopizz]

My mechanic recently rebuilt and rebuilt the gearbox and that is when the belt started squealing.

Power steering gearboxes should only be rebuilt by professional shops that have the right equipment for testing and making adjustments. It's not as simple as just replacing seals. It needs to be pressure tested and adjusted correctly or you will have all sorts of issues.

John

[Forbird]

They didn’t do it themselves. They sent it out to a rebuilder.

[jopizz]

That makes sense. I don't know any local mechanic that would attempt it. That being said if it only started since you replaced the box then I would be suspicious that they adjusted it correctly. Are you sure it's the belt and not the power steering pump itself squealing.

John

[Forbird]

I can see the pump pulley almost coming to a complete stop when I turn the wheel from side to side. I don’t know if it’s the pump or the belt causing the problem but I am fairly certain that if it is the belt causing the noise it is not the belts fault but rather something in the system. Sense it started after the mechanic installed the rebuilt gearbox I will be taking it back to them this week to solve the issue that they caused.

[Forbird]

I was all geared up to give the mechanic a peace of my mind but then I started thinking to myself. The squealing didn’t happen right after I got the car back from the mechanic but rather after I changed the belt. It turns out that the belt was not tight enough. I will take it for a drive tomorrow to see if it is fully fixed. It still squeals at full lock but I don’t know if that is just something that I have to live with. I could have sworn that i tightened it fully.