Power Steering problem - not pump :(

[dkitty]

Ok, here's an issue for you to ponder...

Last month, my car (1996 talon ESI) began to make that horrible squeal and lack of power steering associated with a dying pump on startup (also, the belt would stop moving entirely when turning). Then, when i started driving, the P/S seems ok... but the steering colum makes these horrible low groans and wierd squeeks over the smallest bumps/turns.. that sound like suspension. This process happened slowly and built over time. First the high pitched squeel on turning tight corners, then the low grind later. You might remember a post about this.

Ok.. so i replace the power steering pump. Every little sound goes away... For a day. So i know this is all related somehow.

Then the symptoms return. Squeeling on startup, a low creaking groan (we are talking LOUD) and something that almost sounds like suspension problems over every bump (like a door creaking very loudly when i turn the wheel just a tiny bit). I know this is all tied somehow into the power steering issue, since it went away entirely for a good 24 hours before returning.

I also replaced the P/S fluid too. Someone i know seems to think it's the power steering cylinder/piston getting stuck somehow, but i'm not entirely sure. Someone else mentioned the rack and pinion. Any idea?

[Thor06]

Did you tighten the pump enough so its not moving when you tension the belt?