when steering under strain ie when stationary the power steering belt slips and squeals , I have tried tightening but still I get the same problem. I have tried some belt spray which temporarily helps but it is very annoying. I have been told to upgrade to an electrical unit but its £1400 for the parts alone!...

any ideas...

 

Make sure you have the correct v-belt. Check pulley alignment. Install new belt, run a few days and retighten and check again in a week. Make sure pulleys are rust free.

 

Assume that Jagfixers comments bore fruit as you have not made a comment since!!!.
barry

 

Belt Spray makes things worse. He needs a new belt. The old belt was probably stretched or deteriorated and spraying a gummy substance didn't help.

 

nah the first thing I did was check the tension , then I changed the belt making sure it was the correct one , the next thing was a tried a couple of other belts , the belt spray has been the only thing that has helped , but its very temporary.

someone has mentioned a spring loaded tensioner than might be sticking, I will have a look for that........

no fix yet....

 

the tensioner is available, if not, you might adapt one from a 1997 Ford Aerostar 4.0 liter which is very similar in design.

 

How is the belt sitting in the pulleys. The pulley "V" does actually wear over time, and the belt sits further into the V and it is this that can cause the squeal, as despite tension the belt bottoms on the V so there is no grip.

 

Get a slightly wider belt which then will not ride to the bottom and makes use of the worn space in the pulley.

 

well thanks for the feedback , I traced it to a crack on the alternator mount right at the bolt. when I removed it , it simply fell apart but was really hard to see at first.

so a new mount , belts tightened and silence when I steer , phew at last!....

 

Out of interest was the belt the 'V' or duplex.
barry