Belt noise - Hyundai Performance Forums

Funky D · 10-09-2002, 04:51 PM

Hey everyone, it's been a while since I've last posted... glad to see the site it still growing strong!

I recently took my Tiburon to the dealer to get the belts and cam chain replaced. Ever since, the belts have made a bad squeeling noise, usually when the car is still cold and idling. I took it back to the dealer, and they pointed out some leaking power steering fluid. I replaced the hose clamps and cleaned everything up with engine degreaser, and I haven't noticed any leaked fluid since.

The squealing has gotten somewhat better, but it still squeals like crazy when starting my car and turning the steering wheel. When I turn the wheel when idling, its got a noticably "lumpy" feel to it, as if the power steering is kicking in and out. Once I start driving, everything is fine.

I realize there may still be some power steering fluid residue on the belts, but would it cause the problems with steering that I mentioned above? I'm sick of waking up all the neighbors with me car at night!:ermm:

**i8acobra** · 10-09-2002, 05:29 PM

Try some "belt dressing", it's available at auto parts stores. It makes the belts sticky and stops them from slipping. If this doesn't fix it, then you've probably got a bearing in one of your pulleys going bad. If the dealer overtightened your belts, it'll cause a bearing to go out pretty quick.

Funky D · 10-13-2002, 10:33 PM

Thanks for the response! I tried the belt dressing without much luck. I found the root of the problem when a friend of mine spun the wheel as I looked under the hood. The power steering pump pulley stopped completely when turning the wheel hard right or left. If he continued to turn against the stop, the cooling pump pulley would also stop moving. Hence the "screeeaching" noise!

Does this sound like a bad bearing or just a loose belt? If the dealer did overtighten the belts to cause a pulley failure, is there anyway to prove it?

**i8acobra** · 10-14-2002, 04:26 AM

Either the belt is loose, or the pump is about to go out. Try tightening the belt, if that doesn't work, your pump might be shot. The good news is that it's most likely just a loose belt.

luvmytib · 10-14-2002, 04:47 PM

I had the exact same problem and all I did was tighten up the alternator belt took all of 5 min. problem solved. But before doing this check to make sure the belt is loose.

Funky D · 10-24-2002, 02:23 PM

Had the dealer look at it again today... they tightened the belts and all is well! Thanks for the suggestions everyone.