Power Steering Flush/Hose O-Ring Replacement

[Kellsonm]

Hey everyone, so I've had my '01 QX4 (160k now) for a few months and it's consistently had this problem where a very loud screeching sound comes from the engine on startup. The problem gets worse as temperature decreases. If it's above 60 degrees outside or the engine is already warm, there is no sound. Also, the sound changes when the steering wheel is turned. A visual inspection of the accessory belts reveals only very minor cracking. All of this leads me to believe that the sound is coming from the power steering system, and I've heard the sound may be a result of air trapped in inside the system, possibly a result of bad "o-rings in the hoses".
Has anybody had/fixed this problem? I need some more information to determine the best way to take care of the problem.
Thanks!

[float_6969]

Without actually hearing the sound, it's hard to say for sure what the issue is. "Screeching" type sounds are usually accessory belts, while power steering is more of a "whining" sound. Also a belt doesn't have to be cracked to be bad. It could be glazed due to any number of things. The sound changing when the wheel is turned doesn't mean much either, as when you turn the wheel, it simply loads the motor down and the change in engine RPM can make the sound change. I would try replacing the belts and see if that helps the situation and then go from there.

[rgk]

The belt could also be loose. Try checking its tension and tighten it, if needed. And yes, I would at the very least try a different belt.

[Kellsonm]

Oh goodie, my favorite haha. When I replace the (two?) belts, what work should I do on the pulleys? Replace idler pulley? Just lubricate them?
Also I don't think this is related, but I have a small oil leak from the oil cooler, could that be causing the sound?

[atraudes]

Yep, two belts. I don't think lubricating the pulleys is required, but you're there, so you might as well. I wouldn't replace them unless there's something wrong with them.

If the oil was getting on the belts it would explain them slipping, but I don't think that particular leak gets oil on the belts. There's a write-up on fixing that leak when you're ready to tackle it.

[barnaclebob]

My 01 pathfinder had bad squeeling from the belts when I lived in Missouri and when it was cold. Doesn't happen in in the pacific Northwest. Belt replacement would temporarily fix the issue.

[Buzzman]

First thing I would do is just tighten the serpentine belt.
It may look and feel tight to the touch already, but past experience and other feedback tells me that these belts have to be tight, and I mean SUPER tight.
Crank the adjuster a turn or two at least, and see if the squeal goes away.

[rgk]

And take care of that oil cooler leak! It's a simple fix, but if that dripping oil causes your steering boot to disintegrate, you're in a world of hurt.

[Kellsonm]

Thanks for all the advice! Finally got around to fixing the problem. Replacing the belts fixed the problem, and took only an hour or so. I feel so dumb for waiting so long! Next up will be the oil cooler leak

[rgk]

Great to hear! I felt the same way when I did the oil cooler.

[Kellsonm]

Finally got the oil cooler leak fixed today! Didn't take too long, kinda fun cleaning everything up too. The bad news is that that boot right underneath the leak is split open quite badly. What now?

[rgk]

Replace the boot or your steering rack will suffer an early death. Dirt, oil and grime is the last thing that steering piston needs. The exact same thing happened to me - the oil wears away at that boot. I wrote up a tutorial on it: tie rod end and steering boot replacement.

[Kellsonm]

Alright I'm excited to get the next job done. Awesome write up on replacing that boot, I'll post on there once I get it done. Thanks again!

[float_6969]

You're making good headway on this thing! Way to go!