Mech Question

[Deaf3279]

As I was driving tonight, I felt a loud pop and all of a sudden I began to lose steering power. I however did make it to where I was going but the steering wheel will not turn at all now. Could someone please tell me what the problem may be. I have no clue but i'm thinking the power steering pump or a belt. I don't have light flash to check if leak or anything.

 

[SoulRaven]

Most likely the power steering belt, but only a closer inspection will tell for sure and if there is collateral damage.

 

[Deaf3279]

Thank You, I read many post all over net. Most says fluid leak. I'm plan to head autozone then back to van where I leave as soon I could find ride from someone

 

[TMG51]

Thank You, I read many post all over net. Most says fluid leak. I'm plan to head autozone then back to van where I leave as soon I could find ride from someone

You can check power steering fluid level under the hood without crawling around anywhere with a flashlight. Should be pretty easy to rule that out as a cause, sounds like it happened all at once.

 

[wagoneer]

the main belt drives the pump that powers the steering and brakes. Power steering and power brakes. It contains no fluid, it's small and can usually be seen albeit greasy along the belt run. this pump keeps the brakes and steering fluid under pressure. 80-100 dollar part. It will let you know when it's going bad rumbling and other weird sounds. good luck

 

[user 2252]

Deaf.....are you near quartzsite?

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

The other possibility is a power steering hose leak.

Regards
John

 

[GotSmart]

I thought that was still under warranty from Paradise Motors KY?

Mike, He is in KY.

 

[TMG51]

I thought that was still under warranty from Paradise Motors KY?

Mike, He is in KY.

Very good point... you just bought this minivan.

 

[B and C]

the main belt drives the pump that powers the steering and brakes.

This is a minivan.  I think power brakes on most light weight vehicles are vacuum powered.  Please correct me if I am wrong (again?).

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Our Dodge has a single belt that only drives the power steering. Everything else is run off another set of belts.

The power steering belt could "pop" (break) and that's all it would affect...no power steering.

 

[wagoneer]

I am thinking "My Rig" and yes I am probably wrong here

 

[highdesertranger]

yeah with out a year, model, engine. it's hard to say what belt system it has. it sounds like a belt let loose. we need more info. look at Von Brown willing to get on it. kudos for you Mr. Von Brown. highdesrtranger

 

[GotSmart]

It is a Chrysler, 3.3 or 3.8.  

https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-Deaf3279?pid=157232#pid157232

 

[Deaf3279]

Today one of my good friend from high school surprise visit me. He is mechanic on many thing. So I told my friend about my problem. He say no problem and it only take him 20 min to find the problem and fixed.

It's hose bust open and spill all fluid out. It was only cost me 20 dollar for both repair and labor. My friend told me most car shop would have charged me 300 dollar for repair. I'm glad my friend did show up

 

[TMG51]

Today one of my good friend from high school surprise visit me. He is mechanic on many thing. So I told my friend about my problem. He say no problem and it only take him 20 min to find the problem and fixed.

It's hose bust open and spill all fluid out. It was only cost me 20 dollar for both repair and labor. My friend told me most car shop would have charged me 300 dollar for repair. I'm glad my friend did show up

Glad it worked out for you.

 

[ramblingvanman]

Our Dodge has a single belt that only drives the power steering. Everything else is run off another set of belts.

The power steering belt could "pop" (break) and that's all it would affect...no power steering.

Are you sure it does not also go around and assist with turning the fan?

 

[GotSmart]

Are you sure it does not also go around and assist with turning the fan?

I have the same old school set up.  One set of belts runs most things, and a single belt tuns the power steering.  No tensioner on this set up.   :dodgy:

3 belts on the stack.  Some have more.

 

[ramblingvanman]

I used to have a B250(1991), which is what I believe the OP has. Mine had 3 belt. 2 for the alternator, water pump, crank shaft and fan adjusted via the alternator. The other was for the PS pump, but routed around the fan pulley and crankshaft. If the PS pump belt was broken or seriously loose, the engine would tend to run hotter than it did when the PS belt tension was normal.

 

[GotSmart]

I used to have a B250(1991), which is what I believe the OP has. Mine had 3 belt. 2 for the alternator, water pump, crank shaft and fan adjusted via the alternator. The other was for the PS pump, but routed around the fan pulley and crankshaft. If the PS pump belt was broken or seriously loose, the engine would tend to run hotter than it did when the PS belt tension was normal.

Bindi & Us has the Dodge B van.  

Deaf (the OP) has a Chrystler mini an qith a 3.8