Hello all! I am new here. Recently bought a 84 firebird all original besides tranny. Ac pump was disconnected (no belt) so I figured it was shot and ripped it all out. After doing so I started it and went to move it and my steering is very very stiff. Under pressure right or left it makes a squealing noise but still does not turn. Ac pump and steering are not linked together in Any way correct? This wasn't a gradual issue. It was sudden. I used car ramps as I was doing some exhaust work as well. Probably not a needed note but figured the off chance the ramps had something to do with it I'd say it. Any help is appreciated!

 

Check your belt tension, squealing is typically a slipping belt.

 

I will check it in the morning! I tend to overthink and not check simple things first lol.

 

@Komet you were right. Belt is loose as hell. Removing the ac compresser did I loosen a bolt to the power steering pump and cause slop?

 

Dunno, I have been blessed with a serpentine belt because I'm not about the manual belt tension life anymore. There should be a bolt somewhere on one of the brackets holding your accessories that you can loosen which should allow said accessory to swing out and tighten up the belt.