47-55.1 SBC Power steering Squeal

[vintovka]

My Ad 350 SBC is set up with standard PS as came with the 84 Sierra Classic PS pump and pulley. Its as tight as i can get it and is full of fluid yet squeals intermittently on turns and high revs. Belt is new and one of those with the cogs. Any advice?

[MiraclePieCo]

Originally Posted by vintovka

My Ad 350 SBC is set up with standard PS as came with the 84 Sierra Classic PS pump and pulley. Its as tight as i can get it and is full of fluid yet squeals intermittently on turns and high revs. Belt is new and one of those with the cogs. Any advice?

Is the belt squealing or is it a mechanical or fluid squeal within the pump mechanism itself?

First thing I'd try would be a shot of belt dressing. It conditions v-belts for better grip. See if that makes the noise stop. I used to have a car I had to spray belt dressing on about once a month.

[vintovka]

I will give it a shot - literally

[1project2many]

The early '80s truck PS pumps could be a pain to tighten. Many of them are equipped with a double pulley to help ensure the pump doesn't slip. Tightening those required the PS be tightened first then the A/C compressor second. You're not supposed to tighten against the pump reservoir so I developed a method that slips a pry bar between the end of the pump adjusting bracket and the water pump. I never liked changing belts on those trucks...

You can double check belt tension by trying to twist the belt. If it easily twists 1/4 turn or more then you don't have it tight enough.

[mr48chev]

That and you do have the correct power steering fluid and not ATF? Saginaw power steering pumps don't really like ATF even though a lot of guys claim that is what to use.

When I was doing front end work in a dealership I fixed noisy pumps more than once by flushing the system and putting back genuine GM power steering fluid.

The cogs on the belt don't grip better they just help the belt run a bit cooler. At least that was the explanation I got 40 something years ago from a rep

[vintovka]

Using correct PS fluid. Will take a another look at belt today. Some have suggested pulley is dirty. Last time i looked it did have a line of crud stuck to the near the top edge of the pulley "valley". The squeal is not bad but kinda embarrassing for a brand new engine. What really embarrassing is paying someone to tighten it cause youre now old and a weaka-s.

[dsraven]

Take a look at the pulleys as well. If they are glazed up break the shine off and try again. Same for the belt, if its shiny maybe start over.

[dsraven]

Also check k the pulley surface to see if it is flat or has some small wear grooves on the gripping surface.

[vintovka]

Well another strange but not unexpected turn of events. It wasn't the PS at all. I looked closely at the alternator and was shocked to see one bolt so loose only the valve cover kept it from falling out. Apparently on turns it caused the Alternator to tork slightly causing belt to slip and squeal. been driving around like that since it left the shop. Luckily the shop left the exact size open end wrench stuck between the motor mount and engine. Grabbed it, fixed it and squeal is gone. The pain of knowing i paid a professional mechanic/restorer/pot head remains. Wait til your pot head surgeon leaves his tools in you or your kid.

[MiraclePieCo]

Squeal fixed, and you got a free wrench

[vintovka]

Originally Posted by MiraclePieCo

Squeal fixed, and you got a free wrench

Yup a snap on too! Only problem is it probably cost me several hundred. It is a just another in a series of FUPs that cost me thousands. I have decided if i find any more problems our attorney will get a call despite the small town politics. My advice to others dependent on repair shops is to consult an attorney first, get a written contract. and pay with strong Credit Card like Amex. They have been utterly vicious with dirtbags in the past and even got $ out . I have photo documented everything and kept all receipts and have the time and means.