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After getting new hoses and new belts put on, my serpentine belt started squealing.
I tried some belt-dressing (which use to help a little with my old '91 Cavalier), but the squealing continued like nothing was on it.
I took it back to the shop that hooked up all the new belts and hoses.
The told me that my power steering fluid pump and return hose were bad. That fluid was leaking all over the belt, causing it to lose its grip and squeal.
They would happily fix the issue for $650 (the part only goes for $100-$180, but they are charging $380 for the part, plus $125 for the hose, $120 for labor, etc).
Of course, the belts were fine for the past 4 years. I only got them replaced as part of a bunch of routine maintenance. Magically, the power steering fluid is leaking all over them all of a sudden.
The lady at the auto parts store recommended I steam clean the engine, belts, hoses, etc - then have someone turn the wheel while the car was running so I could check for any major leaks. If none are found, I could try an $8 bottle of stop leak.
Any suggestions? I confronted the repair shop (Firestone) about the fact that everything was fine for the past several years, and after they replaced the belts I "suddenly" have this leak all over them.
They didn't show me the leak, or explain why the are charging me almost $400 for a $100 part.
Is it a good idea to steam-clean the engine/belts/hoses?
How well does Power Steering Fluid Stop-Leak work?
Also, I can't find a 2002 RIO repair manual anywhere. Haynes nor Chilton make them. It looks like the power steering fluid pump is right at the top of the engine area, and possibly something that wouldn't be too hard to replace.
However, without the manual, I don't know if I can do that, also, none of the auto parts shops around seem to have the power steering fluid hoses, just the pump.
I know if I go to Kia for an OEM part, it will cost about 5 times what a local parts shop would charge.
Best to take a look yourself and see if and where it's leaking or get the shop that installed the new hoses and belts show you - just sounds a little fishy to me.
Manual - You may find all you need on the web site in my sig.
__________________ For service info register (free) with KiaTechInfo and click on 'Shop' on the left, and for elect schematics click on 'ETM'.
Best to take a look yourself and see if and where it's leaking or get the shop that installed the new hoses and belts show you - just sounds a little fishy to me.
Manual - You may find all you need on the web site in my sig.
Which link in your sig?
The one that is 404 Not Found, or the one that won't load anything for a 2002 Rio?
I'd like to see if changing that changes the noise. I've read a lot of things that say tightening it (or loosening it if its too tight) fixes the noise. Then again, I've read you CAN'T change it, as there are auto-tensioners.
I'd like to see if changing that changes the noise. I've read a lot of things that say tightening it (or loosening it if its too tight) fixes the noise. Then again, I've read you CAN'T change it, as there are auto-tensioners.
I'm not that familiar with your model, but if it has an auto-tensioner then of course it cannot be adjusted, but none of these suggestions apply if the belt is being effected by the oil leakage.
__________________ For service info register (free) with KiaTechInfo and click on 'Shop' on the left, and for elect schematics click on 'ETM'.
Squealing belt - Power steering fluid?
Linear Mode
