Weird Noise When Steering

[FLiP Sp33d]

everytime i turn the steering. its makes a weird wailing noise. maybe there's something rubbing between the wheel and the steering column?

[gav_logan]

Does this only happen when you are stationary?

Or could it be something to do with fluid?

[steviej]

the belt that goes from the main pulley to the power steering pump has stretched or is loose and slipping. This happens as the belt ages, it is only rubber.

jack up the car and put it on jack stands, crawl under and inspect that belt. If the inside is cracked or looks brittle and dry---replace it.

If the belt looks good, plyable, etc, then it may only need a tension put into it. This can be done by yourself or have a mechanic do it. If you do it yourself, be careful not to over tension the belt. This will put undue tension on the PS pump and cause premature wear on that bearing. There are tension guages to measure belt tension, but every Lexus service manager I have talked to (3) and every mechanic I know go by feel.

New belts go for about $40. I just had it done under warranty cause that belt was making noise on me at 34k miles. The noise in my case was also more pronounced in the rain or drizzle.

good luck.

steviej

[FLiP Sp33d]

thanks steviej! im probably just going to go to lexus to have them check it out since the car is under warranty