Regreasing Pulleys

[TheV6Bird]

My power steering pulley is making a squeaking noise. I've suspected that the belt is also bad, but even with a good belt there is some noise as well.

Is there a way I can regrease the belt? I just have standard multipurpose mechanics grease; can I use that or do I need something special? Do I need to get a pully puller and take the pulley off or can I just kind of weasel my finger down there?

If I need to pull the pulley, is there anything I should know? I've never pulled a pulley before, so will PS fluid start shooting out or is the reseviour sealed?

I've been thinking of cleaning some other pullies too, like just taking off the belt and hitting the crank, alt, water pump, A/C, and tensioner with some brake cleaner and a wire brush. Should I use brake cleaner or Simple Green (or is there anything specific I can use?)

[jessica2112]

Well, you certianly dont want to grease the belt! You don't want the belt to slip. As far as the pullies, they are bolted to a shaft, and that shaft spins with sealed bearings around it. If your pump is making noises, it's probably time for a new one. You can get a rebuilt one for alot cheaper than a new one at most auto parts stores. There is nothing wrong with a rebuilt. If your belt is squeaking, it may need to be replaced. Check it for cracks and frays. If you can see cracks in the grooves, or see the white threads in it on the top. They stretch with age too. The tensioner has an arrow on it, and you can see if it needs to be replaced. You can use belt dressing, that comes in a can to help with a squeaky belt. There is no way to grease sealed bearings.

[hockeyman]

I had a problem with a squaky belt on an older car I once had. Even though It the pullies were aligned and the belt was tightened down properly, it still squeaked...and it even got worse when I used belt dressing too!
I took the pullies off and used a 500 grit sandpaper on the groove section. Sanded them down just enough to scar the metal a little bit and reinstalled them. Squeak was gone permanently. :D

[jessica2112]

HMMM I wonder what that would do on a smooth pully for grip......

[TheV6Bird]

Originally posted by jessica2112:
HMMM I wonder what that would do on a smooth pully for grip......

yeah, I'm kind of afraid to try it out, but I'll give the groove side a shot.

[zlexiss]

My take on roughened pulleys:

Yes, you'll prob get more grip. But keep an eye on the belt wear, as the rough metal will be sanding the belt as it seats into the grooves coming onto the pulley.

Me, I'm just anal about keeping the pulleys and belt squeaky clean. Keep things wiped down nice with a solvent-dampened rag, and you should get plenty of grip for most everything. No belt dressing ever.

[jessica2112]

I was thinking about my supercharger pully, it's smooth, and the smooth side of the belt runs on it.