New to this forum but what I have seen is fantastic.

I tried a search but couldn't find anything so here goes.

I have a 1972 4.5l 280 SEL that I just bought (replaced my 72 4.5L 280SEL that burned up 2 months ago driving to the postoffice). Love the car but it has suddenly developed a squeel while turning (either direction) from a stop. OK once I am moving.

Now it has got cold here n New England since I bought the car so this is a factor to consider.

I have cked the power fluid and toped it off...still squeeling like a stuck pig...(high pitched). Most embarrising with such a fine looking automobile.

Sure would appreciate some suggestions.

Thanks

Mark

Welcome to the site. Most likely the power steering belt is not adjusted tight enough. When turning the steering wheel especially with the car standing still. It just takes more energy or power delivered to the power steering pump than when moving for example. Belt starts to slip and squeels. If you would like to test before adjusting just run a bar of face soap along the traction surface areas of the belt. The soap acts as a belt dressing for a short time. I better add not to do it with the engine running. If that stops it then check and adjust the belt. Or just adjust the belt without the test. Can be other things of course but this is the most probable. I guess if belt is really glazed on the traction surfaces, badley cracked or worn down so much it rides the bottom of the pulley it should be changed out. They will not all be this easy but the help available from the archives and members on the site will always get you there in my opinion. Hope you enjoy your new aquisition. Wish I owned a gas station near you. What kind of fuel milage does a 4.5 gas get? I guess also as you were astute enough to mention the cold is a slight factor in that the power steering fluid is a little harder to pump as well until it warms up. Plus for all I know the coefficient of friction between the pulleys and belt during the power transfer might be slightly less if colder. Either way looks like a really cheap and easy fix. Another quick test I use is if you can turn the pulley by hand at all then the belt it is way too loose.

Boy do I fell stupid. Slipping power steering belt,,,duh...I can't believe I didn't think to ck that. Tomorrow first thing.

The ol'girl gets about 13.9 MPG on the open road...haven't checked around town. I have a GPS that tells me where the nearest gas station is so I keep that data readily at hand with the gas guzzler.

Thanks again.

Mark