2001 Mazda 626 Steering Noise

2001 MAZDA 626
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JOHNBROWN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
New alternator belt installed by local shop.Now steering pump making noise though never did before this other belt installed.Steering fluid is full, perhaps a tiny,little bit overfilled. Sounds like the pump is cavitating to me though it does not get excessively hot, nor do the feed and supply lines.My tech stated he added some steering fluid " conditioner" after he noticed the noise also. Steering system functions perfectly, the noise occurs most when actually steering the vehicle. Any ideas?
Jan 6, 2007 at 1:04 AM
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GARFIELD
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 197 POSTS
Is your power steering pump belt part of the automatic belt tensioner or is is a separate belt and requires tightening it on its own, If it is the second then the shop may have tightened the belt too much.
Jan 6, 2007 at 1:34 AM

Suggested Repair

Check whether the power steering pump uses a separate belt that must be tensioned on its own. If so, the shop may have overtightened it when the alternator belt was replaced; loosen it to the correct tension.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2001 Mazda 626 with 124,000 miles reports power steering pump noise that began after a shop installed a new alternator belt. Fluid is full or slightly overfilled, the system works normally, and the noise is worst while steering. The expert asks whether the pump belt is tensioned automatically or separately and suggests the shop may have tightened a separate belt too much.

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