Why is my Power steering pump Squealing?

Question

I just put in a new power steering pump on my 68 camaro. It has a chevy 350 engine in it. I need to now what to do to fix the squealing problem? Every time i turn the wheel all the way to the LEFT OR RIGHT.....It makes a horrible squealing noise! What is the cause of this? Nothing happends when i turn in any other way...only when i turn it "ALL" the way to the left or right. As soon as i hit that point it squeals really loud!!!! Please expert advise only thanks

Answer 1

It's normal to hear that noise when turning lock-to-lock.  There's no real reason for you to hit the stop at either end so simply back off a little.

Answer 2

check your fluid or it may need to be bled, probably air in the system

Answer 3

Almost every classic chevy vehicle I have owned has done this. My 70 C10 does it.  Its got a brand new pump too.  I suspect when you are extreme left or right the load is to much for the belt and it may slip a little. You can try adjusting belt tension to see if that helps and also make sure the fluid is at the right level.  Being that its new you may still be working the air out of the lines.

Answer 4

Sound's like the V belt is probably slipping. The new pump could   have the wrong pulley on it ( too wide too narrow ) , or It could just need tightening. The biggest strain on the pump is when the steering wheel is turned all the way left or right.

Answer 5

check the fluid

Answer 6

Newer cars have a pressure bypass built into the power steering system because nobody listened for the 30 years prior when the manufacturers said to back off a little from full right or left to keep from blowing out the pump seals.

A 68 Chevy is pre bypass so you have to police your steering habits manually, or buy a lot of power steering pumps.

Good Luck!

Answer 7

there is two types of squealing power steering make some are belt slipping can be pulley has worn one side down then the belt wont make full contact -belt tension  belt contamination with oil  -other problems air lock in steering box did you bleed air out of the box or just fill and start if the latter will take a little time to do now jack front wheels up just clear of the ground fill pump with oil and leave for 2 hours lets air in oil pop out now turn off steering lock if fitted and slowly turn steering wheel fully lock to lock 4 times return to central Po's check oil level again turn lock to lock fore last time remove jack  start motor and try steering should be better and only makes noise at full lock small squealing of pump is normal as the pump stalls