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H3 Power Steering Squealing

KatieJulian

Probationary Member
Messages
2
Location
Redmond, OR
Help! I have a 2006 H3 (manual)...it is making an obvious power steering pump squeal. It is not louder when turning the steering wheel, but does get louder when accelerating. I have changed the pump 3 times (NAPA remanufactured replacement), after being told it could be the remanufactured pump failing. I have flushed the fluid. Fluid still looks good...nothing in it from the rack, and no air seems to be getting in. I'm having no steering issues. The pump squeals just as loud as soon as you turn the vehicle on (after replacement and extensive bleeding). Any ideas?
 

KatieJulian

Probationary Member
Messages
2
Location
Redmond, OR
I was thinking this may be the next step as well. The mechanic I took it to for the last pump swap (to rule out any possible error on my part) wants to change the rack since it is the only part left to be replaced, not because he thinks it is failing. I would rather rule everything else out before throwing random money at the problem.
 

4speedfunk

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,250
Location
Tardville
It could be the wrong belt or a worn tensioner pulley spring.

I recently had a similar issue on my 99 Burb....squealing at cold start-ups. The whole thing looked good, stayed in place, and charged just fine...but, it would squeal when it was cold. It had been doing it for years but, it was getting worse. I figured it was a worn tensioner pulley assembly. So while replacing the belt tensioner, I noticed that when I released it...the pulley went clear out to the limit of its travel. It seemed as if the belt was slightly too long and the tensioner could not get the belt tight enough. This struck me as "odd", so I did some investigation, and discovered there are two different amp alternators available that year. Each alternator has a different size pulley, and thus...a different length belt. The length difference was less than an inch, (hardly noticeable) but, after installing the correct belt...it became very obvious that I had been running the wrong belt for quite some time. Now the tensioner sits in the middle of its travel, and the belt is noticeably tighter, (now that the tensioner can apply full spring pressure). Squeal gone!

I'm not saying you have this issue but, its an example of just how sensitive the serpentine system can be. You might want to cross-check the belt number to make sure you have the correct one installed. Sometimes a counter guy will simply use a belt sizing tool and grab the closest match he can find...without really checking the numbers. If a longer belt has been installed, it could be that your tensioner is sitting on the limit of its stroke, and not applying enough tension.
 

alrock

El Diablo
Staff member
Messages
10,677
Location
Scottsdale
Has anyone put a stethoscope to the pulleys to be absolutely sure which item is squealing?
 
Messages
22
Location
California
Old thread, but just wondering how hard it is to replace the power steering pump or maybe a video somewhere how to do it?

I have the same problem about steering wheel squealing when turning the wheel especially at cold start-ups. Also, steering fluid seems to be leaking from the pump or reservoir. I just ordered a new pump/reservoir, so they should be coming in a few days...

thanks.
 

alrock

El Diablo
Staff member
Messages
10,677
Location
Scottsdale
Not hard to do but you'll probably need to rent a pulley puller from the auto parts store. Take pictures beforehand to make sure you put the pulley on the right way.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
 
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