Hyundai Repair: steering problem 03 Elantra, power steering pump, alternator belt

Question
I have an '03 Elantra, purchased used this past spring w/ @ 81k on it. Timing belt was replaced shortly before I purchased it, but not sure on other belts. There has always been a squeal if the wheel is turned to lock left or right, but in the last few days there is now a near inability to turn the wheel on startup for a few seconds, followed by a very loud sqeal when it finally does turn. I'm hoping it's the power steering belt, but it seems worse to the left than the right. Any suggestions?

Answer
It sounds like you have a loose drive belt.  The typical culprit is the alternator belt.  The reason this affects your power steering is that the alternator belt also drives the water pump, which in turn runs the power steering belt and drives the power steering pump.

The alternator belt must be very tight on this vehicle in order to not slip.  If you can flex the belt with light pressure, it's too loose.