1999 Dodge Stratus power steering belt

Tiny
RSHAVERS
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 DODGE STRATUS
  • 2.5L
  • V6
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
I put a smaller serpentine belt on the car to bypass the ac compressor because it is no longer functional. I was able to get the car running but now I notice my power steering is not working and there is a whining noise coming from where the belts are located on the vehicle. I had to loosen the power steering belt to access the serpentine belt and I'm wondering if the power steering belt is either too loose or tight?
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2015 AT 6:55 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
It may be either or it's low on fluid have it checked with a belt tension gauge.
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Wednesday, June 3rd, 2015 AT 9:49 AM
Tiny
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I noticed that I have some side to side motion in the power steering pulley and it does not seem properly aligned.I think this may be my issue. How do I tighten the loose power steering pulley?
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Thursday, June 4th, 2015 AT 8:04 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
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You need a special tool to do that but it may be end play in pump is what you are seeing. The pulley may be on all the way. Take a straight edge and check from pulleys to see if it is aligned or not. Auto parts may have the tool to rent but I you tighten it don't put all your hopes in that. You have modified from original design so that may be part of it as well.
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Thursday, June 4th, 2015 AT 9:25 AM
Tiny
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I used a straightedge and the pulleys are not properly aligned. The car is drivable right now but is hard to steer and I had a new power steering pump installed around February.
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Thursday, June 4th, 2015 AT 11:26 AM
Tiny
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There is a sound coming from the pulleys also.
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Thursday, June 4th, 2015 AT 11:27 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
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  • 48,601 POSTS
Then rent the tool from auto parts and see I fpulley will go on farther. The sound may be from the p/s pump alignment. Because you are by passing the a/c you may have to put up with the sound due to eliminating the a/c or it may not be the correct belt either.
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Thursday, June 4th, 2015 AT 12:28 PM
Tiny
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Ok thanks for all the help Sir
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Thursday, June 4th, 2015 AT 12:57 PM

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