Grinding noise on car 03 Malibu?

Question

Once the engine starts loud grinding noise is present and the car is very hard to steer but the car accelerates fine, its just very noisy. I wish I could check thoroughly but its raining somewhat hard outside.

Update:

Since the rain died down I see what the problem is, the power steering pump roller is shot luckily the belt is still on otherwise the problem would have been worst.

Answer 1

Steering pump roller?

Sounds like the idler pulley bearing.

The tensioner pulley bearing is likely the same.

I always pressed the bad bearing out of the pulley and installed an electric motor ball bearing (with 2 rubber seals) (the bearing number has 2RS suffix) in its place.  Inexpensive and long lasting.

I just changed one last week.

It was a 6203-2RS bearing, on a Ford.

$5

-Engine overhaul mechanic and general automotive mechanic since 1972

Answer 2

Take the drive belts off and find the bad bearing by spinning them by hand.

Source(s): Mitsubishi Master Tech

Answer 3

take it the dealer man......

Answer 4

Check the power steering fluid level. If it gets low enough to pick up air in the pump it will make a lot of noise and you won't get the normal amount of steering assist. Fluid is not normally consumed so if it is low you have a leak that needs to be repaired. Pump seals are a common source of leaks.

• Ramon M3 weeks agoReport

  No leaks but steering pump roller is...
  

Answer 5

Could be loose engine mountings or steering mechanism.

Answer 6

Sounds like power steering pump is shot 

• Ramon M3 weeks agoReport

  Yup, I checked it out and steering pump roller is shot.