steering problem

[mxmaz]

Last winter i noticed that occasionally i would get a squeal while steering. The power steering fluid hasn't moved from the full mark. Never had a problem this summer at all, now that winter is back i noticed it again. And today while i was making a left hand turn into a store parking lot, the power steering went all together and i almost crashed into another car because i wasn't expecting it. I shut the car off and when i came out of the store and started up, the steering was perfect again. Would the belt just need to be tightened or replaced? Could anything else be the cause of this?

[jimishadow]

the squeel is the belt slippingminspect it for cracks or wear,and if its good tighten it up

[mitmaks]

like he said, might be slipping or there might be just some moisture on it and it'll squeal

[perhapsadingo8yerbaby]

Cold weather can make a belt that is barely within tensioning specs start to slip and squeal. Adjust the tension tighter if it has too much play (not too tight or you'll risk damaging the pwr. steering pump). If that doesn't work, your belt inspection should include looking for any signs of a shiny surface on the side that contacts the pulleys, indicating belt glazing which can happen after it slips for a while. Once glazed, it would have to be replaced since the glazed surface itself causes slippage and squealing.