Honda Repair: Power Steering Belt Tension, honda civic 92, power steering pump

Question
Hi Gene, I have a Honda Civic -92 with power-steering. Problem is that I hear a whining sound from the belt that powers the servo-pump (power steering pump). The belt is recently changed and I'm worried it might be tensioned too tight causing a bearing breakdown in the pump. What tension should the belt have to operate correctly ? What happens if it is too loose or too tight ? Could the whining sound be smt else ? It gets higher (stronger) when I turn left or right compared to when having the wheels aligned straigth forward so I think it might be the pump.

Answer
Robert,
A power steering pump belt being too tight can cause a lot of damage. I have seen crankshafts break from a belt being too tight! It puts too much tension on the crankshaft and they snap. Usually on your type of civic. Have it checked again!
A belt being too loose will cause a loud squeal and possible no power assist.
It's hard to describe how tight the belt should be. You get to know the tension from expierence. The best way I say is that it should be tight like a guitar string, but not too tight. Take it to a professional and have him check it.
The noise could be caused by an air leak, small pin hole leak in the low side suction line. Also by a bad pump or even a bad rack. Take the car to someone who knows what they are doing and have them check it.
Good luck
Thanks for the question
Geno