Screeching When Steering Wheel Turned All the Way

[axelfox]

Every so often my car will screech when I have to make a tight turn by turning my steering wheel all the way.

I was listening to NPR Car Talk a couple of weeks ago when a caller came with the same scenario. They said to replace or to adjust the steering wheel belt, but I thought I heard the words serpentine belt thrown into the conversation as well.

1. Is the steering wheel belt the same as a serpentine belt?

2. Generally, how much does it cost to replace something like this (1998 TOY Rav4)

3. Is it DIY-able?

Thanks.

 

[Mxylplyx]

Check your power steering flood level. It might be low.

 

[LTC8K6]

Your vehicle probably has a single serpentine belt that drives all the accessories like most modern vehicles do.

Older cars had seperate belts for the alternator, A/C compressor, PS pump, etc.

So, on an older car, you could have a "power steering belt" that might squeal, while the other belts were fine.

The serpentine belt is often easy to replace, but I can't say for your particular car.

There is also a tensioner, which is supposed to keep the belt at the proper tension.

 

[Throckmorton]

I had that problem. The power steering fluid was a little low

 

[Gillbot]

Cavitation of the pump is usually the cause. Check your fluid level, if it isn't low the pump may be failing.