Heavy steering at times

[sandorjoben]

Dear everyone,

Since I've had my 87 V15 305tbi/th400 the steering a times seems heavy and when the wheel does get heavy it's accompanied by a wonderful squealing noise which I'm guessing is from the v-belt driving the power steering pump. I'm trying to figure out if I just need a belt replacement, tension adjustment or need to do more.

I found a can of silicone belt dressing when I was cleaning up some junk in the garage and I sprayed it on the belts as directed, and when I drove it shortly thereafter the steering was effortless and noise free for about two days, then it reverted to it's old randomly heavy self.

Well it's not completely random, the steering is heavy at low speeds, which makes parking a pain, and occasionally at slightly higher speeds when the wheel has to be cranked all the way to one side or the other(and only for the last part of turning the wheel till it's either hard left or hard right). For normal driving speeds it's fine, just the occasional short squeal when turning the wheel for a sec.

I sprayed the silicone stuff on again when the steering went back to it's old self again and poof the steering became effortless again.

Suggestions what to address first? I only have 31 x 10.5 x 15 MT tires so they're not huge. Thanks in advance.

Dave