Annoying screatching noise

[D_roc]

My car makes a very loud screatching sound when i turn the wheel, and along with it the power steering keeps going on an off when its cold outside so i have to leave it on start about for 5mins that so it won't make the sound, is that mean is it time to change the fan belt and if so howmuch will it cost at the dealership. and by the way the tempratuer is usually 9 - 15 degrees in the morning and about 25 - 30 afternoon

[D_roc]

anybody??

[MinisterofDOOM]

It is probably a power steering issue and not a belt issue.Check your power steering fluid. If it hasn't been changed in a long time, you may want to do that. It may just need to be topped off.Keep an eye on the fluid level for a couple of weeks and see if there are any signs of leaks. If there are, I recommend you get them taken care of pronto.

Running power steering with low or leaking fluid can cause all sorts of nasty problems which tend to escalate and become expensive fast, so make sure you keep on top of it.

[D_roc]

thanksa man thought it was the belt because of the noise and also just regular power steering fluid from napa or autozone will work on my 2001 maxima right?

[MinisterofDOOM]

That's right.

[D_roc]

I think its not been changed in a long time so is this job doable in my driveway or should i take it to a mechanic or the dealer

[MinisterofDOOM]

Actually, now that I think of it, I don't know exactly what type PS fluid your 2001 takes.Look in the manual to be sure. Using anything else could damage the system.

[D_roc]

all righ thanks a lot think might go to the dealership to do it

[D_roc]

ok i checked the ps fluid today and it was on cold max so its normal and the fluid was red so i dont have to change it eaither do you think the sound must be due to the cold tempratuer coz today i started the car and it was 35 outside and didn't it only sounded for like a couple of seconds and no other problems eaither