What's wrong with it?

Question

I have a dodge stealth. Here lately, when I make a right or left turn, i hear this awful squeal , and the steering wheel is hard to turn. I added some power steering fluid. The steering isn't as hard to turn, but it still squeals and the turns are rough. Any advise/ suggestions?

Answer 1

Make sure you don't have a leak in the power steering system , (pump, hoses, rack and pinion). Since you hear a squeeling when you turn, your rack and pinion in more than likely your culprit since it's probably the biggest component in your steering system. Good Luck.

Answer 2

I just went through the same type noise with my 1993 Ford Aerostar van. Loud, awful-sounding roar when I turned my car on. Didn't know what it was, nor whether I could drive it somewhere. Called AAA. Driver said it was power steering pump. Showed me where it was & the place where fluid went -- cruddy, puky-looking stuff in there. Put enough fluid in there to drive it to service station (AAA followed me). Mechanic concurred it was the power steering pump. Replaced it -- three-and-one-half to four hour repair job. Now, no noise, and turns easily.

Only thing now is, there are spots under my van, which never used to happen. So either there is a leak in the repair, or the power steering is overfilled. Will be taking it back to the mechanic soon -- one year guarantee.

FYI, price range is over $200 for this repair (parts and labor).

Answer 3

Your power steering belt is probably loose. Check belt tension when engine is off. If belt is slipping, it makes a bad noise. It is most likely to slip when under load, for example when stopped and parking. Alternator belts slip when car first started because trying to recharge battery. A/C belts slip when A/C first turned on.

Answer 4

It could be the power steering pump going bad.

Answer 5

get the rack and pinion checked