2010 Forester with 82K miles

 

When I turn the steering wheel all the way to the right or to the left I hear a nasty squeal or squeaking.

 

I checked the level of fluid when the engine cooled down and it was right on the line of "Cold Low"

 

Could somebody look at yours?  What level do you have?

 

No previous work.  No leaks.

 

If I need to add fluid I guess the Dexron IV is good?

 

Thanks,

Sam

If it's a squeal. It's probably the belt that's slipping when the wheel is turned to full lock from the pumps bypass valve and high load.

If it's a squeal. It's probably the belt that's slipping when the wheel is turned to full lock from the pumps bypass valve and high load.

Thanks, so the fluid level should be at a "Cold Low"?

It should be between the cold low and cold max when the engine is cold (so over night) or between the hot min and max after you've driven it.

It should be between the cold low and cold max when the engine is cold (so over night) or between the hot min and max after you've driven it.

I will try to add some Dexron VI and see if the squeaking goes away.

 

Sam

Belt is slipping. How old is it?

 

Fluid level isn't really a factor as long as it's somewhere on the dipstick. If you check it Hot and the fluid level is at the bottom of the dipstick, add some. Otherwise the fluid level isn't that important.

Assuming that's original fluid, it's probably due for a change at that mileage. Use a baster or large suction bulb to suck the fluid out of the reservoir and refill it with clean fluid. Run the engine and work the steering back and forth several times then repeat the drain/refill. I do that until I've put a whole quart of fluid through the system. Usually three cycles.

Edited September 22, 20178 yr by Fairtax4me

Belt is slipping. How old is it?

 

Fluid level isn't really a factor as long as it's somewhere on the dipstick. If you check it Hot and the fluid level is at the bottom of the dipstick, add some. Otherwise the fluid level isn't that important.

Assuming that's original fluid, it's probably due for a change at that mileage. Use a baster or large suction bulb to suck the fluid out of the reservoir and refill it with clean fluid. Run the engine and work the steering back and forth several times then repeat the drain/refill. I do that until I've put a whole quart of fluid through the system. Usually three cycles.

For a seven year old and 82K I guess the system needs some fresh fluid.  I probably will do it.

 

Thank,

Sam

If it's a squeal. It's probably the belt that's slipping when the wheel is turned to full lock from the pumps bypass valve and high load.

Good call!  I finally got time to look under hood.  The belt was lose. 

 

No more squealing!

 

Thank you golucky66!

Update:  Found this.

 

Still disappointed - the car has only under 87K

 

Looks almost like a pulley cause the belt to slip for an extended period of time, wearing out the bel a little early.

 

Usually these newer belts last about 100k before they start showing signs of wear in the groves. But they typically don't break or shred for a while unless they were abused.

Update: Found this.

 

Still disappointed - the car has only under 87K

Back to my original question... How OLD is the belt?

 

Gates or Bando if you can find it. Dayco belts will cause you more grief.

87k and 8 years is not at all "disappointing" for a belt. Replace the $6 belt and move on.

 

GD

I 2nd the turkey baster method. They use GM trans fluid for some unknown reason and it never ages well. Even if squeak is gone with new belt, fresh pump fluid will keep power steering effort smooth. It otherwise degrades slowly, to the point you can't even tell until one day it's really cold and excessively stiff in spots.

Looks almost like a pulley cause the belt to slip for an extended period of time, wearing out the bel a little early.

 

Usually these newer belts last about 100k before they start showing signs of wear in the groves. But they typically don't break or shred for a while unless they were abused.

 

I ran my finger around pulleys but could not find anything wrong with them.

Back to my original question... How OLD is the belt?

 

Gates or Bando if you can find it. Dayco belts will cause you more grief.

The belt is original - 87K on it. 

 

I installed Bando from Amazon.  So far so good.

 

Thanks,

Sam