Steering Squeak

[digitaldelay]

I have been getting a strange squeaking/creaking sound when I turn the steering wheel during cold temps. It sounds kind of like tires squeaking on a tile floor or something. It seems to go away once the van has warmed up. It also doesn't really affect the feel of the steering, just the sound. I have checked the PS fluid recently and it seemed fine. Any idea what this may be and if it's serious?

98 Safari AWD
255,000 km (158,000 mi.)
Torsion bars cranked

And no, I don't have tile in my garage!

Thanks,

Jason

[chevymaher]

Sounds like the belt just squeeling a little till it warms up.I cant think of anything else to cause it.The rest of everything metal that the only rubber involved.

[digitaldelay]

Hmmm, that makes sense, I guess. I will have somebody turn the steering wheel while I have a look under the hood.

Thanks, Chevy!

Jason

[Big_kid]

Does it do it sitting still, when moving, or both?

[digitaldelay]

Does it do it sitting still, when moving, or both?

I would say 'both'. When I go to drive forward out of the garage (so, very low speed) it makes the sound and also when driving around town (until warmed up).

I just wonder if a belt could make that noise. I know what a squealing belt sounds like, but really this is more of a creaking sound (see tile floor analogy above).

Whatever, I'm not going out there right now, it's like 15 below tonight. I will take another listen tomorrow morning (when it will be 20 below )

Jason