1989 OMC 5.7 Squealing Power Steering

[rmgmag]

I have a 1989 OMC 5.7 that has a loud squeal/screech when I turn the steering wheel. The power steering belt seems loose so I assume that's what's causing the problem. I had this problem last summer and had the belt replaced, so it's is a fairly new belt.

I'm not very mechanically inclined but I'd like to try to tighten the belt or replace it but I have no idea how to do it. Does anyone have a video/picture of how to do it?


Bob

 

[Sparkinator]

Re: 1989 OMC 5.7 Squealing Power Steering

Loosen your bracket bolts to your pump. Find a prybar or long screw driver with some heft to it and wedge it between the pump bracket and the block so you can get some leverage to slide the pump bracket over and put more tension on your belt. While holding tension one the belt/bracket with your prybar, tighten down the pump brackets.

There are specs on how much tension you should have on the belt, but just so it has tension enough not to squeal, but not too much so that it wears out your pump brackets. Your belt should have a little deflection when pushed down by hand.

You can usually check tension by seeing how tight your other belts are and using that as a guide.

 

[SeaTea]

Re: 1989 OMC 5.7 Squealing Power Steering

There is a square hole to the right of the cap on the front mounting bracket, that is for a 1/2" drive breaker bar to tighten the belt before you tighten the mounting bolts. Be very careful using a prybar or something to pry the pump over, you do not want to pry against the round part of the pump as it can be punctured or bent and then will need to be replaced,

Chek your fluid level while you're there.

Forgot, you should be able to push the belt down 1/4 to 1/2 inch when the belt is properly tensioned.

 

[rmgmag]

Re: 1989 OMC 5.7 Squealing Power Steering

Thanks guys, I'll give it a shot.

 

[rmgmag]

Re: 1989 OMC 5.7 Squealing Power Steering

Thought I'd give you an update. I purchased a 1/2" breaker bar for about $25 online. I couldn't insert it all the way into the square hole in the bracket because part of the flange from the fluid reservoir was blocking it, but I got it in far enough so that I could put some pressure on it, loosened all the bolts, put pressure on the belt, tightened everything up, and it works like a charm. No squealing at all. Thanks for all of your help.