How can i tell if my power steering pump is bad or going bad? It seems like the belt is squeeling, but the belt is tight and the condition of the belt seems pretty good.

 

just changed my power steering belt damn i never realized how much i need power steering. my pump is fine i guess my belt was just about to bust. well not sure about the pump but if you have problems turning and i mean problems (unless car is moving) then you have a power steering problem

 

Sometimes the belt can squeal from being too tight.

Try belt dressing? It's usually not a permanent fix, but if it makes no difference at all, then you know the noise isn't coming from the belt.

Listen carefully, maybe use a short piece of hose up to your ear to pinpoint the location of the noise. Alternator bearings? Water pump? A/C clutch?

 

if not loosen the side screws of your belt the top nut is the tension bolt tighten it makes the belt tighter and visa versa just loosen it up some or even lubricate it some more