Mystery Squeal...please help!

[g356gear]

I am having a squeal issue under low speed when applying power. It does not happen when I punch it at higher mph. I have tightened both the power steering and alternator belts to rule out that problem. Power steering belt is brand new. It almost sounds like belt squeal but I think I need to look at other options. Could the power steering pump be bad? Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.

[GregWeld]

Don't rule out that each rotating assembly on the from of that motor has bearings in it -- P/S - water pump - A/C - Alternator....

Can you duplicate the squeal while parked and just raising the rpms of the motor - if you could - then you might be able to zero in on where it's coming from.

Don't over tighten your belts trying to eliminate the squeal - because that can lead to bearing failure.

[g356gear]

It does not do it at idle, only in gear at low speed when getting on the gas. It goes away as soon as I back off the throttle. I have about 1/2" up and down in the belts. I know what you are saying about the bearings. I don't want to put too mush lateral stress on the pulleys.
I thought it may be a starter contact issue with the new mini starter I installed, but after pulling the shield, I can't see any contact on the starter cone or the flexplate.

[g356gear]

I got some feedback from Camaros.net that the flexplate may be flexing under load just enough to contact the tip of the starter. It was described as sounding like a power steering squeal from the lower part of the motor.
I once again dropped the shroud to check for contact. Clearances all look good but I backed off the 2 starter mount bolts anyhow, wedged a flathead screwdriver between the flex plate and starter gear and re-tightened the mount bolts. I thought this might give just a little extra gap in case it was a clearance issue. I just took the car out and it is still there but only doing it in 1st gear under power and with each shift point. I am going to install the starter ring spacer that came with the mini starter and see what that does. Fingers crossed.

[g356gear]

Added the 1/16th ring spacer that came with the starter kit. That has solved the problem! No more fake power steering squeal under low speed power and shift points. I guess its a little food for thought that the flex plate does actually "flex" during shift points and lower rpm when the torque converter effects it the most.

[GregWeld]

LOL -- That's funny - a flex plate that flexes....



Glad to hear you found the problem!