Hi,
My Elantra is making a squealing noise when I turn the wheel on a hard lock and has 72,000 miles on the clock. It only squeals when the car is on a tight lock, no other time - do you think that the timing belts could be the cause?

I know it due for them to be changed anyway but the fact that it only happens when on a tight lock has me a little puzzled.

Also, how much roughly should I expect to be paying a mechanic to do this job and how long should it take?

Many thanks!

 

I think you're a little confused between your accessory belts and your "timing belt". The accessory belt drives the power steering pump, which is probably squeeking when you turn the wheel all the way. It's cheap to replace, or at least it should be, and probably should be replaced if it is the original. Timing belt is internal behind the timing belt cover, and cannot be seen without some disassembly. It is VERY important to replace this at 60,000 miles, and can cost between 300$ to 800$ to replace, depending on who does it, and what else they do also.

 

Quite probably!
It's booked in for the timing belt for next week so that will be sorted asap.

Thanks for the reply, that makes sense and I shall suggest it to the garage when I go down!

 

Be careful, it's a perfect opportunity to "soak" the unknowlegeable driver. Mechanics love a driver who doesn't have a clue.

-A squeeking power steering belt is not a critical problem. I would probably just do a 2 minute adjustment there if it was my car.

-A timing belt change should only cost about $300 if they just change the belt. $800 if they also change all the seals, pulleys, water pump.

-Accessory belt change should only be for the cost of the belts ($20 extra) if they do the timing belt, since the accessory belts have to be removed to get to the timing belt.