Power Stearing "cuts off" when driving through water (shallow)


chamvet

10+ Year Member

Joined
Jun 18, 2009
Messages
8
Points
3,001
City
San Antonio, TX
Vehicle Year
1994
Transmission
Manual
It has not rained much in South Texas so I have not really noticed it until the past few weeks wehn it actually started raining...

When I pass through water over the road (not talking feet of water but inches), the power stearing "cut out" and I have to man handle the stearing wheel to correct. After 30 sec or so it comes back under pump control. I don't hear the drive belt slipping but would that be the cause? I also get a flickering batter light druing this time...but I assume that is a whole other story to fix...

Thanks
 
How old is your belt. Sounds like you need a new one
 
all your belts are slipping so that is why your battery flickers, its not letting the altenator keep charging
 
i would be looking at the belt and the tensioner. push on the longest length of belt you can get to and see how much play is in it. shouldnt be more than a 1/2" up and down.
 
I aggree you should check the tensioner. But I am betting on the belt. I would think if it was the tensioner it would act up other times as well ie. When you put strees on the engine. Etc.
 
it has a serpentine belt, right? If so, replace the tensioner and the belt. If it has V-belts, replace the belt and correctly tighten.
Both problems you describe indicate a loose belt. With a serpentine belt, it is more likely to be caused by a weak tensioner.
 
I replaced the serpentine belt a few months ago (a generic brand from parts store) due to cracking right after I got the truck. It seems tight...ie not much slack at all (can't say I am an experienced mechanic!). Though I did notice when I looked outside just now that the "flat" side of the belt appears "shiney" smooth and the grooves look good.

Should I replace the belt again with a better one (any brand ideas?)? And how hard is it to replace the belt tensioner?

Thanks
 
tensioner is ussually one bolt. i'd replace with a new belt at the same time.
 
I think the belt put suggest is a Gator belt. Something like that. I am sure the bel you got is fine. It must be the tensioner. I believe it is one bolt to remove it. I think they are about. $40
 
its a goodyear gatorback belt that is what most peeps recomend. the zone sells them for about $35 I would suggest getting that belt if you decide to get a new one. also i think most people suggest staying away from belt dressing.you might want to consider cleaning of your pulleys
 
I wouldn't suggest anything other than a GY Gatorback.

My boss likes to buy cheap parts for customers cars, you wouldn't beleive how many cheap belts we have had come back slipping or squeaking. A gatorback fixes it every time.

And if mud is your thing, the GY belt will last much longer than a conventional belt because of the slits in the grooves. Trust me I've been there a time or two.
 
never had a tensoir be left but a idler pulley i have
 
Replaced the belt (gatorback) and the tensioner. Has not rained since to test it out! I did replace the battery. I had one of the local shops check the alternator and said it was operating at 80?amps and was good.

Anything else to check with the power stearing (not in the rain) or the always on battery light?

Thanks
 
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