1999 Dodge Stratus power steering belt

1999 DODGE STRATUS
180,000 MILES • 2.5L • V6 • AUTOMATIC
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RSHAVERS
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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?
Jun 3, 2015 at 6:55 AM
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HMAC300
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it may be either or it's low on fluid have it checked with a belt tension gauge.
Jun 3, 2015 at 9:49 AM
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RSHAVERS
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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?
Jun 4, 2015 at 8:04 AM
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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.
Jun 4, 2015 at 9:25 AM
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RSHAVERS
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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.
Jun 4, 2015 at 11:26 AM
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RSHAVERS
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There is a sound coming from the pulleys also.
Jun 4, 2015 at 11:27 AM
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HMAC300
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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.
Jun 4, 2015 at 12:28 PM
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RSHAVERS
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Ok thanks for all the help Sir
Jun 4, 2015 at 12:57 PM