Several times recently, when I leave my workplace in the chilly Michigan air about 9:15pm & start my car’s cold engine (1997 Geo Prizm, but just 75K miles), the power-steering belt squeals immediately (on start-up)for several seconds. I think it’s the original belt. Why is this? Because, due to age, the rubber is getting hard & isn’t “gripping” properly?
Do I need to get it replaced? (I work an afternoon shift; it doesn’t squeal when I start the car in the warmer mid-afternoon.)
if you haven’t replaced it in 75k it’s over due anyway,
yes the rubber gets old, brittle and fails.
if you are handy you should be able to change it yourself.