My 2000 Cavalier has this new noise that's come up in the last few days.... when I turn to the left, and am going at a decent speed (at least 25, I'd say), it makes a high pitch screeching noise. I don't know if it does the same thing when I turn to the right. Any thoughts are appreciated.

see if the sound happens on right turns too, its two very different types of problems. is this like a belt noise, like worn down brakes, or something else?

Sounds like a power steering pump.

ya, check the power steering fluid level

I checked the power steering fluid, and it was a little low so I topped it off. I drove it to school today (45 mile round trip) and it was still making the noise when I got home. I'm not sure how long it would take it to stop making the noise if, in fact that was the problem.

It only seems to make the noise when turning to the left, not the right. It seems to me it could be the brake pads. Any other thoughts though?

Well, I guess its sorta possible, but brakes don't function any differently when you turn. I thought that you meant under corner turns, though. If you turn while accelerating it drives the pump faster since its on a belt, so it just makes sense. Does it do it over gradual turns?

i can imagine the brake caliper mounting is loose, that may cause a noise only while turning. best bet is to get in there and have a look at the brakes for yourself.

wheel bearing, CV joint maybe?

Cavalier, maybe?
Sounds like an interesting problem, and I wish I could think of something plausible that would fit the problem description, but I can't....so, good luck on rooting-out the problem!

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Well, I guess its sorta possible, but brakes don't function any differently when you turn. I thought that you meant under corner turns, though. If you turn while accelerating it drives the pump faster since its on a belt, so it just makes sense. Does it do it over gradual turns?
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Now that I think about it, I've only heard it while accelerating around a turn. And only to the left. Does that mean its likely to just be the power steering pump belt?

yes.

I'm not very knowledgeable about cars, obviously, but I was looking at this diagram at autozone.com:

http://www1.autozone.com/images/cds/gif/large/0900823d800f18cf.gif

And there isn't a power steering pump belt, just a pulley. Any thoughts?

Thanks for all your input so far by the way, I really appreciate it!

The belt is generic. Its not car specific, so it wont need to be on any diagrams.
Also, it may not just be the belt. If that's not it, the steering box could be on its way out, along with the pump, perhaps. If you go to autozone or wherever (NAPA is better) to get the belt ask someone there about their opinion on it.

GUYS I HAVE THE ANSWER!

this is the 2.2L engine right?

TSB: 00-06-01-018A

Subject: Growl/Moan noise during sharp left turn (modify engine mount stamping)

models: 2000-2001 chevrolet cavalier and pontiac sunfire with 2.2L engine (VIN 4 - RPO LN2)

Condition: Some customers may comment on a growl/moan type noise coming from the front of the vehicle on heavy acceleration when making a sharp left hand turn.

Cause: The cast arm of the engine mount may contact the outer stamped cage of the mount assembly.

do you want the repair info to do it yourself? or you can take it to a chevy/GMC dealer. you will need a engine support(jack), grinder or file, touch up paint(to prevent rust i assume), a set of wrenches and a torque wrench.

Yeah, its a 2.2L.

The noise seems like more of a high pitch screeching noise though. Or maybe I just can't classify noises very well. :)

Is this a recall?

Oh I found it, its a safety bulletin.