# What's that popping noise?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/whats-that-popping-noise/24942>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [January 15, 2009, 1:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whats-that-popping-noise/24942 "2009-01-15T01:19:57Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![quynhnpham](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/90db22/32.png) [@quynhnpham](https://community.cartalk.com/u/quynhnpham)\
**Post date:** [January 15, 2009, 1:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whats-that-popping-noise/24942/1 "2009-01-15T01:19:57Z")

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I have a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT (4 wheel drive). My car makes a popping noise that is also sometimes accompanied by a squealing noise under the following conditions.  
  
  
  
 1) turn steering wheel  
  
 2) temperature is cool (60 degrees or lower)  
  
 3) only when I first get into car and start to drive  
  
  
  
 Can you help me solve the mystery? Thanks.

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**Author:** ![BustedKnuckles](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bustedknuckles/32/25_2.png) [@BustedKnuckles](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BustedKnuckles)\
**Post date:** [January 15, 2009, 11:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whats-that-popping-noise/24942/2 "2009-01-15T11:25:02Z")

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It could be a problem with the power steering pump. See if the serpentine belt looks like it needs replacement, and if the tensioner is OK.