2001 Dodge Neon power steering

FALLEN.ANGEL42069

MEMBER
2001 DODGE NEON
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
101,000 MILES

While driving on a back road, my power steering started to go out around curves. I checked the fluid and the belt, but both were fine. I had to drive home approx. 150 miles. The next day, I was driving my husband to work and it went out completely. I could not move the car. He left work, took me home, and rechecked the belt. The belt and fluid are still fine, but the belt seems too loose, and the tensioner pulley appears to be twisted. Does this mean we just need to replace the tensioner pulley? Do we need to replace the entire tensioner? What about the belt, which is still good? Also, how do we go about doing this?

Thursday, December 11th, 2008 AT 8:28 AM

1 Reply

ZACKMAN

MECHANIC
4,202 POSTS

With the engine running, look at the tensioner. If it doesn't move too much or violently, just replace the pulley. But if it is moving erratically, I suggest that you replace the assembly.

I have always replace the belt when I replace a pulley or tensioner. But it is up to you. If the belt is less than a year old, and you don't see any (much) cracks, and not glazed, you may re-use the belt. Otherwise, you should replace.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, December 11th, 2008 AT 9:56 PM