squealing steering pump

[punchpipe]

1995 Pontiac Grand Prix 3.1
Does anybody no what the cause of squealing coming from the power steering pump pulley/wheel connected to the serpentine belt?
I checked the steering fluid it was low so added fluid. The squealing stopped a little but still there. Should i try to lubricate the wheel with wd 40 or no? Thanks for all input.

[richtazz]

Are there bubbles in the fluid? IF so, you may have gotten air in the system and it needs to be bled. Start the car and let it warm up. Slowly turn the wheel all the way in one direction, then all the way in the other diretion, then back to center. Check the fluid again. Repeat proceedure until no more bubbles form and the fluid level stays up.

[regalfriend]

I wouldnt try to use WD-40...problem is, WD may penetrate some of the bearings on the tension or idler pulleys. These bearings use grease and WD-40 could break down the grease and cause it to leak out. If you hear squeeling from idler or tension pulleys they may be sticking. Remove serp belt from the pulley you hear the noise from and spin the pulley by hand

[punchpipe]

[quote=richtazz]Are there bubbles in the fluid? IF so, you may have gotten air in the system and it needs to be bled. Start the car and let it warm up. Slowly turn the wheel all the way in one direction, then all the way in the other diretion, then back to center. Check the fluid again. Repeat proceedure until no more bubbles form and the fluid level stays up.[/QUOTE

I tried that drove it and the squealing is quieter. But on cold starts it loud. Should i have the pulley/wheel replaced?

Just found out it was the belt tensioner. I have it replaced in the morning
THANKS!

[jimmyv-21]

NOOOO to the wd-40
will break free, but will cause rust in the long run.