I've got a '93 pickup 22RE. I replaced my water pump and decided to buy new belts cause the old ones had been getting coolant on them for a while.

I'm thinking I installed my new power steering belt way too tight. It wasn't making any noise for about 20 minutes when I went for a drive (I ran the engine for a several minutes and adjusted the belts before going for a drive), but then the power steering belt started making a "sssszzzzhhhhhreeee" sound above idle. I removed the belt, the noise went away; reinstalled it looser, and the same noise comes back.

I read quite a bit but I just can't seem to get this seemingly simple process of putting new belts on right. I was using a Krikit tension gauge but have little confidence in it now.

I'm aware the bearings in the pulley and other components can get damaged, but could I have done something else like polished the pulleys???

Any help is much appreciated!!!

 

Could be completely random the noise started .

Fluid level where it should be??

How does the idler pulley feel with the belt off ??

Has the pump started leaking ?? That is a good sign bearings are on the way out.

I could see with the original idler bearing getting the belt to tight might just change the pressure on the bearing enough to make noise.

I always used the 1/2" deflection for getting belts tight.

 

I would suspect your Idler Pulley, I would think any other damage would be to the pump but I would think you are probably ok with the pump. The bearing in the pulley is easily replaced. I have it listed on the first page of my 88 runner build in my link below.

 

Ran for 20 minutes without making noise. Adjusted and started making noise. Reinstalled with same results. Paranoid about damaging this and that.

But why?

You had it right and then you loosened it too much(and/or it loosened itself if a new belt).

Put it back on and keep tightening it until it doesn't make noise. TOO TIGHT DOESN'T MAKE NOISE. TOO LOOSE MAKES NOISE. Learn your lesson and chuck that worthless tension gauge. Simple enough?

 

I keep my belts just tight enough so they don't squeal. Anything more is pointless and just increases wear.

 

I have been doing it so long

I just put them on without thinking about it

 

An old Nascar mechanic thought me to tighten it until it can only twist 90 degrees with your hand.

Basically tighten or up and grab the center and twist. If you can twist the belt pass 90 degrees, tighten more

I have never had belt noise with this method.

 

I have had plenty of belts, especially cheap ones, make noise for the first hundred miles or so while it breaks in. It is just kind of a whine noise. I am not sure why it would not do that for the first 20 minutes, but I guess it could be possible while the belt heats up or something. Other than that, I agree that the idler pulley is the first thing to check. With the belt off, spin the idler pulley and the power steering pump pulley to see if they make any noise.

92ehatch-Good tip on installing the belt. I will have to try that.