Should the power steering pump pulley spin freely?

[djm999]

MY 2000 - 996 Cab with 54K miles

Should the pulley on my power steering pump spin as freely as the pulleys on my alternator and water pump? I have been trying to track down a high pitch hum/squeel at certain speeds and I checked the pulleys today. The pulley clearly doesn't spin like the others. I checked this last winter when I replaced the water pump and I don't recall any tension in the spinning of this pulley at that time.

[wvicary]

It won't rotate as freely as the alternator but should have no roughness or tight spots.

[RTSlackC4S]

I just placed a post about the movement and noise of the PSP pulley because while doing my water pump I noticed the Pulley spins freely but makes some noise...I.e. not quiet like the other pulleys. Did your pulley present any problems...did it make any sounds...what was the end result.

My 04 has 17K miles and this is preventive maintenance. I started to wait until more miles or signs of leaks but since the warranty starts at the time of purchase I thought I should get it in there. Also a tech I trust recommends the 2yr or 15K interval. I've read on these forums failures from cars with low and high miles.

[RFM]

If you rotate the pulley by hand, the pump can squeak. This is normal and not audible with the engine running.