Squealing when turning steering whell, and sometimes when not :(

[opus]

OK, add this to the list of "peculiar" issues that my 06 5spd has generated. Now, when driving in the rain last night, I started to get a high pitched squeal when going through some of the gentle bends on the highway, sometimes it would do it, sometimes it would not. Then as I got off the highway, once or twice, usually during bends, not full on right angle turns, the noise would start up again. Then all of a sudden when exiting the hwy, it just did it for about 4 seconds and then stopped, and this was when the wheels were pointing straight forward. I am thinking power steering belt issue, but doing it while pointing straight forward makes me kind of doubt that one.By the way, the AC was on while doing this.... Any input would be appreciated !!

 

[monsta]

I know my 07 would squeal occasionally when it was wet out. Seems the water splashed up on the belt. My 06 doesn't.
If it doesn't make noise when its dry outside then I wouldn't worry too much about it. Or you could change the belt.

 

[thaxman]

If you eventually get the squealing while idling, listen for it to come from under/behind the passenger headlight. That would be the electric pump failing...

 

[speed3guy]

You sir will prolly need to replace the power steering pump here soon. Ive had this issue on 1 or 2 of my cars and that is what it was. Pretty soon it will squeal everytime you turn the car on and when you go to make any kind of a turn.

 

[opus]

Thanks folks!!! I am going to get it in ASAP because my 4 yr. 50k warranty is up on July 3!!! Hopefully they will not play the "well it isn't doing it now so there isn't much we can do" game...

 

[mazdadude]

One note that popped out to me was your mentioning of it raining.

Is your splash shield on the bottom front of the car still in place>?

First things that pop into my head are: (braindead

A. squeaky belts from rain water on the belts and pulleys
B. wheel bearing noise (you would tend to feel this as well as hear it.)

 

[opus]

Mazdadude, as much as I want to tear that POS off every time I change the oil, and see the hole that is 5 inches away from where it needs to be to change the filter, I have left it in place. I don't feel any impact. Thanks for the idea