Steering belt?

[FrostedxB]

In the never ending world of problems my xB has, and just when one the the worst was recently fixed (exhaust leak from a bad doughnut) a new problem has risen! Yesterday, I washed my car and was going around the block to get into the driveway. When I started the car, there was a strange squeeling sound. As I drove, the sound got a little bit louder, not much but with the windows down and radio off, it was noticeable.

I let me father listen to it and he says its probably the steering belt (which was tightened 2 days after the car was bought). The noise is definetly towards the front of the car and it doesn't sound like another exhaust leak. Has anybody changed their steering belts or perhaps have another idea of what would make a (not high-pitched) squeel towards the front end?

[BangorxB]

Do you hear this noise all the time? Or was it only after you washed the car? Sometimes after a heavy rain or after I wash my engine bay my belts squeak some due to being wet, but once they dry the noise goes away.

[FrostedxB]

Do you hear this noise all the time? Or was it only after you washed the car? Sometimes after a heavy rain or after I wash my engine bay my belts squeak some due to being wet, but once they dry the noise goes away.

It sorta comes and goes. When I make fairly sharp or fairly long turns, it sqeeks a little. It was pretty bad right after I washed it a few days ago I suppose because it was wet. If I hear it become really bad again after this weekends rain storm (Rain for NJ all weekend) then I may just assume I'm paranoid and hearing noises that aren't really there.

[XD2O]

Most likely it is the serpentine belt squealing.... It runs everything on the Scions. Since it was re-tensioned, I would wonder if it is not either too tight or still a bit loose. Have it checked as it can cause issues either way. The fact that you get the squeal more when the wheels are cranked all the way over, indicates it is loose and as you utilize the power steering, which is run by the belt as well, that the extra drag on the belt causes it to slip, as well as any moisture allows it to slip. Also, since it's a 2004, if the belt has never been replaced, probably time to do that, as they wear out they will start squealing as well and it's much wiser to put on a new belt before it breaks on you.

It could also be that you have a bearing going out on one of the accessories it drives and that is causing the noise and/or enough drag to let the belt slip. The belt runs the Water Pump, AC, Alternator and Power Steering on your vehicle. When you have the belt off, spin every pulley by hand and listen and feel fro grinding, they should spin smooth and free. Hope this helps!