Elle

Only question I have is whether aftermarket power steering
belts are all that inferior to OEM belts. Anyone?

Otherwise, a little report follows, for comments and/or the
archives.

We had some extreme cold (for where I live, out West) for a
couple weeks, whence I noticed that my car's engine was
making a light but quite noticeable squeaky-squealy sound
under all operating conditions. It was not too loud, but it
was definitely different from the engine area's usual
sounds. It seemed to be coming from the power steering belt.
I checked when it was changed last, and it appears neither I
nor any shop has touched it since before 2000, over 70k
miles ago.

Today I changed the PS belt with minimal trouble. One key
tip that I think has been noted here before, but I will note
again, since it was not in my Chilton's manual: The pump
housing has a 1/2-inch square receptacle on the top where
one may fit one's 1/2-inch drive breaker bar and pry to get
the belt tension and then tighten the pivot bolt.

The old belt was indeed /very/ cracked.

The engine sounds now seem to be back to normal. I haven't
road tested the car yet.

I used a "Duralast" belt for $7 from Autozone. A packet of
"belt dressing" cost me another $1 or so. I never used belt
dressing before, but I recollected people suggesting it here
in the past, so I thought I'd try it.