Thought I was done in the shop...steering issue

[gathermewool]

Well, I just finished replacing the ball joints and CV shafts on my '97 legacy with 198kmi.

I noticed some strange steering issues almost directly after, but I don't think it's related. At idle, in P, D or N the last 1/2 revolution of the steering wheel stutters - tougher, easier, tougher, easier in rapid succession until locked hard over. It feels as if I'm turning the wheel on gravel. The pump doesn't sound like it's making any unusual sounds. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Other, new issues: The steering was vague after the replacements, and I'm now getting a slight belt squeal on start up for just a second, no longer. The belt looks good and has good tension.

A family I'm friends with just had their minivan's engine [censored] the bed, so I'm letting them borrow the car for a month or so. I need to make sure this won't be an issue for them...

 

[gathermewool]

forgot to add that the steering seems to be fine when I rev up a few hundred RPM

 

[Warstud]

Sounds like a belt/pump issue.

 

[Familyguy]

My vote is a loose belt on the ps pump.

 

[mechtech2]

Belt is #1.
But you can jack up the front of the car [both sides at once, and rotate the steering wheel with the engine off to check for binding.

 

[gathermewool]

Maybe I'll stop by my friend who's borrowing it today and check it out. I think the a/c belt did seem tighter; however, the PS belt wasn't loose per se. What's the thumb rule for how tight. One finger, X deflection...

 

[mechtech2]

You don't want them banjo string tight.
Some deflection is necessary when pressed medium hard.
[Those belt tension gauges that are sold are useless, IMO.]
Short belts are tougher to tell.
And if they are slick/glazed, even proper tension won't help.
So what to do?
It is a feel thing. Press real hard to take up slack, then press medium for a little give.

 

[gathermewool]

I appreciate the advice. How about I tighten the belt incrementally to see if things get better.