Hyundai Repair: 2002 Kia Optima (same as Sonata) power steering noise, 2002 kia optima, serpentine belts

Question
QUESTION: I purchased a 2002 Kia Optima SE with 2.4L engine and 109K miles. Runs fine. Had timing belt, water pump, balance belt and all serpentine belts replaced. Noticed that power steering pump or that same area makes a whine noise above idle. Car steers fine.  Pumped out most fluid out of reservoir (was at proper level) and replaced with Lucas Power Steering conditioner.  Whine didn't go away and is not leaking.  Any ideas?

ANSWER: Hello Scott,
Your timing belt might be overtightened. When you have a really tight timing belt, it causes a constant whining noise and it is more noticeable above idle. You should have your timing belt re-checked.

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QUESTION: Thanks for the reply. I understood the timing belt to have an automatic tensioner under the belt cover. How can they adjust it?  Isn't it supposed to auto adjust as the belt ages as well?

Answer
Hello again,
It is possible to overtighten the timing belt. It depends on how you install it. Having your balancer belt too tight is another possibility.Also sometimes the auto tensioner is to stiff and can not release the tension. Try to remove all the belts and start the engine to see if the noise is gone. If it is gone then you have a problem with timing or balancer belt. Either thay are tight or one of the tensoiner is noisey.