hey all, my subaru classic starting squeeking when inicially starting up from cold a few months ago and got worse and worse, and through closer inspection it seems that the cog on the PS Pump gets stuck or seized? as the belt moves but the cog doesnt therefor creating a squeek, seized pump or maybe belt is too tight?

 

Seized pump. How are the fluid levels in the power steering reservoir?

 

yeh fluid levels seem to be ok, squeeking is getting worse as the colder and damper weather kicks in, If i sit in the car when it first starts up and put it in gear with the hand brake on and pull the clutch up the pump comes to life and is ok.

 

That sounds a very strange technique to test a power steering pump.

The usual method is to remove the belt and turn the power steering pulley by hand. If it does not turn easily, replace it.

 

are you sure the belt doesnt want tightening up?

 

possibly, ill have a look into it at the weekends, what tools will i need as ill have to get them from work

 

sockets 12mm, and 14mm I think, you take off the cover for the top of the belt, and on the left hand side of the alternator, actually on the alternator, is the adjuster, loosen the securing bolt witch is horizontal then tighten the bolt that is on the top this wioll move the alt up thus tightening the bolt. You will need to slightely loosen the other bolt holding the alt in place on the right just so that it will move.

 

If the pump needs removing, its about 5-6x 14mms

 

thankyou my lovelieeesss, just tightened belt up and problem solved, im sure i checked it and it seemed ok but when i just done it there was a load of slack.. its fine now thankyou