Squeel on cold start ups
Discussion
wasted years said:
My mechanically minded friend thinks it may be the air con pump as the air con unit is empty at this time.
If the aircon isn't switched on the pump isn't being driven - the pump clutch is disengaged.
Your symptoms suggest a slipping auxiliary drive belt. In cold weather the load on the alternator can be high, causing the belt to slip. The increased noise when you turn the wheel confirms that it is the auxiliary drive belt - as you turn the wheel the load on the power steering pump increases.
Have taken the car to the garage for the aircon compressor to be replaced. Asked them to have a quick peek and they tell me the steering rack has gone and the fluid has all excaped (which explains that leak I couldn't quite put my finger on). They say this would account for the squeel on start up and higher pitched squeel when the wheel is turned. I thought I noticed the steering getting heavier but just dismissed it as me being paranoid. A grand to have both problems rectified.
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