squealing in steering

when i turn the steering wheel it makes a squealing whining noise...anyone know what the problem could be? possible solutions?

when i turn the steering wheel it makes a squealing whining noise...anyone know what the problem could be? possible solutions?

My 98 malibu squeels sometimes in the steering, dont know what is causing it but would like to find out.

The cheapest and most common reason is a worn serpentine belt (accessory belt). If you haven't replaced it and your car has 40k or more miles on it, it may be the culprit.

The next most common reason is insufficient power steering fluid. If there is insufficient fluid, the pump cannot create enough hydralic pressure to do its job. This can do two things. First, since it cannot meet the demand of the steering input the pulley drags and the belt slips and it squeals. The other thing it can do is make the pump cavitate, which is a great way to ruin it. Check your power steering fluid level to see if its correct.

The final reason is a failing power steering pump. When it begins to fail, its pulley - which is driven off the accessory belt - does not roll smoothly. When this happens, the pulley cannot spool to match the speed of the accessory belt and therefore the belt slides over it, creating a screech or whine. The reason this happens in a turn is that when the car is straight, the power steering has no load on it so the pulley is free to spin. When you turn however, a load is placed on the power steering pump and if its going bad, it cannot supply the load, the pulley drags and the belt slips.

Hope this helps.