Im getting a horrible loud screech from the power steering, it like some 1 is torturing a cat under my bonnet when i start the car!

I asumed it was the pump, but im not losing the steering! Could it just be as simple as tightening the belt?

:-/

 

If happening on start up without turning the wheel then it could well be a loose belt.

 

 

Thats what i was thinking, i will try and have a look tonight when i get home. Fingers crossed its just the belt, cos iv heard replacing a pump is a big job

 

Replacing the pump on these isn't too bad a job to be honest.
All at the front of the engine and not hidden away.
Plenty of second hand ones on ebay.
Hopefully just the belt as it's unusual for them to fail in my experience.

 

Iv got a spare pump. But its a last resort lol

 

From your description I'd suspect a loose or worn belt, start there.

 

I've had that screechy noise recently, when I pull away from the house. The steering was a bit tough too. I checked the fluid and it was a little low so I topped it up then I checked that belt wasn't too slack/tight and it was ok. Then someone suggested it could just be the age of the belt as my car is 11 years old and probably never had the belt changed before.
So I got one from the local motor factors for £8 and fitted it myself using a video I found on YouTube. Now the noise has gone and the steering feels fine, no need for a new pump either.

 

Any chance you could put the link to the video on here mate?

Just out of curiosity, the noise only started after i had a blown rad hose, which had squirted onto my belt, could that of compromised the quality of the belt?