lost steering and alternator

[B192734]

So I know this is kind of a simple question, but here it goes anyway. I don't know too much about this part of the jeep yet. Emphasis on yet.

So this morning it was pouring down rain. I get out and warm the jeep (2000xj 4.0) up. Everything seems fine. Check engine light comes on again (bad O2 sensor). Drive out of the driveway and begin to turn up the hill to head for work. The check guages light comes on , and the guage for the alternator tanks. Then suddenly there is no steering. So I hit the brakes and let myself roll back out of the street. Couple of seconds later the guage comes back up, and the steering kicks back in. Has me a little worried there. So question is: is the alternator belt and the power steering pump connected, and if the belt loses traction, will the steering go completely out? My plan was to change the serpentine belt this weekend, and give her a tune up and new O2 sensor. Is there anything else I should be looking at? Or is it really as simple as replacing the belt, or just tightening it up?

 

[Saurian]

There is only one belt, the serpentine belt that you are looking to change. It drives everything: the fan, alternator, power steering, air conditioning compressor, and water pump.

One of two things will cause the symptoms you describe.

A: The belt is slipping and not driving your accessories... It would have to be quite loose to do so (being wet makes it worse)

B: The engine had stalled out. If the engine was still running, I would think the belt is your most likely candidate.

 

[droopey]

No you will not lose all of your steering just, the power assisted part,it will be like before power steering.

 

[mud4feet]

Might also check your belt tensioner. When mine went out, while driving to work on curvy mountain roads, reminded me of driving back in the '60s.......when power steering was OPTIONAL!!!!!! Symptoms sound like belt, so maybe your tensioner's going bad. Trust me, if you can move it with your hand, it's BAD!!!! Just a thought.