Power Steering Going Bad? Options

[mkernz22]

Recently, when I'm driving and I take a corner, the power steering (sounds like the pump) will make this loud, horrendous screeching sound for a second. While it makes that sound for a second, my steering gets very stiff and it's hard to continue turning. I have a feeling the pump maybe going. It happens moreso when the car first starts up. Maybe the cold weather is just effecting it right now? cause I never had a problem in the warmer weather.

[Hanyo]

To answer your original question.

Yes, cold weather affects your belts. When it gets cold the rubber on your belt gets harder and less sticky. Therefore it will squeak and slip more when its cold.

When belts make noise it is usually a sign that the belt needs to be replaced. The noise comes from have stretched harden rubber on the belts.

A simple test to see if your belts need to be replaced is the WD-40 test. What you do is apply some wd40 onto the ribs of your belts with the engine running. If your problems are suddenly solved then you know its time to replace the belts. However if the wd40 makes the problem worse you need to tighten your belts.

Why this test works is because wd40 can swell up rubber. When you apply wd40 on belts; it will soak into rubber and temperately repairing them giving them grip again. If your problems has gotten worse with the WD40 then you know that new belts will not solve your problem, and that your problems come from slipping belt.