The chirp is most prevalent when the car is cold and I try to turn the wheels when the car is stationary or at slow speeds. it doesn't sound like a constant little sparrow chip that might indicate misaligned pulleys. there is resistance to turning the wheel, then the belt slips and makes the noise. resistance is more pronounced turning right, but is there both ways. some times the resistance suddenly goes away. once car is warm and i'm moving, i don't feel it until i slow down <15 mph, and make sharp turns (like in my parking garage.) I rebuilt the pump last summer and replaced both lines. Hot level is correct, fluid has maybe 7000 miles, no bubbles in the pump reservoir that I can see, no leaks out of the pump, lines or box that i can see, belt looks OK - a little shiny on the sides. could be that i put the pump together the wrong way, but i rebuilt it to fix this problem - so it existed before i got my hands on it. i'm petty sure the root cause is the resistance, thoughts? i'm sure this is a common problem with old PS equipment, what are the usual causes?

 

Sounds like the belt is loose.

- Eric

 

now that you mention it, i don't recall checking that...

if I push down on the belt, it should deflect about 1/2"?

 

If you push down in the middle with one finger, pretty hard, it should deflect about ½".

You shouldn't have to push down very hard, but the difference between very hard and pretty hard can be hard to convey, and if you think it's at pretty hard and it squeals, then tighten it to very hard.

- Eric

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Automotive-B...328b19&vxp=mtr

Normally over $100

I do a bit of work with belt driven fans, so we need accurate tension information.

 

This just made me smile! I understand perfectly!

 

You were right, Eric - it is the belt. I tightened to very hard, and the slipping/noise is mostly gone. Thanks for all the replies guys!

 

You're welcome.