P/S screeching when accelerating

Discussion in 'Technical' started by Mlover, Aug 11, 2020.

  1. Mlover

    Mlover Member

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    Hello All.

    My 74 Maverick 250 inline makes a loud screeching noise whenever I press the accelerator pedal. I am almost certain that this noise comes from the power steering pump.

    I recently swapped the carb to a Holley 7448. When I straightened my “engineered” accelerator bracket is when the issue began. Before when the bracket was slightly crooked, a slight screech would happen only before the engine warmed.

    I tried tightening the pump as much as possible but there is still some slight slack on the belt. I can never seem to tighten to really stiff tension. I tried belt conditioner product on the belt and I even bought a new belt but the pump still squeals really loud.

    Any ideas? Can I spray wd40 into the pulley/pump area?

    thanks
     
  2. jasonwthompson

    jasonwthompson Member

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    Belt squeal is the belt slipping on the pulley, WD40 will not improve that. You can start the car without the ps belt to see if it still squeals, it could be the alternator, water pump, or the ps pump itself.
     
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  3. Mlover

    Mlover Member

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    THANK YOU!

    Turns out it’s not coming from the Ps pump. I hear the noise from the carb area? I will look into that.
     
  4. Mlover

    Mlover Member

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    Took another look at my car. Honestly not sure where the sound is coming from. So close! Yet so far.
     
  5. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    take one belt off at a time...:yup:
     
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  6. Mavman72

    Mavman72 Gone backwards but lookin' forward

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    If belt investigation does not bear fruit...Possible vac leak at carb base/Cracked EGR plate, causing screech/whistle as Vacuum increases/decreases...
     
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  7. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    If it doesn jerk & squeal when turning wheel, P/S belt isn't likely your problem.
     
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  8. Mlover

    Mlover Member

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    Thank you everyone! I appreciate the input!

    I tested it without my alternator attached, no squeal noise!!!!!

    Only thing that sucks is that I upgraded to a 1 wire alternator so I have to order another one.........

    thank you everyone!
     
  9. Mlover

    Mlover Member

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    Follow up! Put everything back, no more noises!

    Loose belt? Had never occurred to me but now I am aware.
     
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  10. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    Loose belt is most common cause of squeal, esp on alts...
     
  11. jasonwthompson

    jasonwthompson Member

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    I had read some other posts that people had experienced belt slippage when updating to higher amp alternators, so when I updated to a 3g 130 amp I went to a 289 hipo/Boss 302 alt pulley, they are larger diameter and deeper belt groove. Have had no problems with squeal or charging.
     

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