High pitched whine

JOEYORTIZ197

MEMBER
2007 SUBARU IMPREZA
2.5L
4WD
AUTOMATIC
95,000 MILES

When I drive my car emits a high pitched squeal/whine. The squeal is worse when the car is cold and gets quieter as it warms up. The squeal can also get worse when the car is accelerating. The other thing that I noticed, and I'm not sure it's related, but the power steering is really stiff when the vehicle is cold as well and it didn't use to be before the squealing started. There is also plenty of power steering fluid.

Friday, May 14th, 2021 AT 12:08 PM

1 Reply

AL514

MECHANIC
5,139 POSTS

Hello, take the serpentine belt off, the one that drives the power steering pump, if I remember correctly that car has 2 belts, take them both off. Start the car for a minute and see if the noise goes away. Then turn the car off and try to turn the power steering pump by hand. It sounds like the pump may be seizing up. While you have the belts off, try turning the alternator and the belt tensioner as well. See if anything is starting to seize up. Try turning the A/C compressor as well. Adding belt instructions as well.

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