Expert: A. Rowe - 12/21/2010

Question
I have a 1999 Chevy Silverado Z71 with a 5.3l v8. I jumped in my truck to leave work today, backed out of the parking lot and had to cut my wheel hard. When i started to straighten up in drive a very loud and continuous ticking sound occured from around the front near my belt. You can hear it faintly when tires are straight but as soon as you turn either direction it becomes very loud. It is even worse in park! I have a feeling its my power steering pump but am not positive. I made it home but am very leary of driving it again. Would like to know what the problem is before i start buying parts or put it in the shop? Can u help?

Answer
Hi Adrian!

The power steering pump usually doesn't make a noise like that. However, the serpentine belt tensioner will and is a common problem. Especially in cold weather. It's very difficult to diagnose sounds sometimes. Especially online. If you have a short piece of garden hose or something similar laying around, you can use it as a 'stethescope' to hear exactly where the noise and problem is coming from.



-------Aaron