Power steering gone?!

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Nov 6, 2006 | 07:17 AM

rudyexp

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Power steering gone?!

Hello All!

This morning I started my 98 Explorer, and I thought I heard something, radio was on. But the battery light is on, and no power steering at all. I also hear a clank click when it moves reverse or forward. Kinda of hard to tell, I'm in a tight spot, only have about 8 feet to move, can't make my hard right turn out of my drive like I use to. Any ideas?!

Thanks

Rudy

Nov 6, 2006 | 08:24 AM

marragtop

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From: Baltimore

Start by checking to make sure the serpentine belt is still on.

Nov 6, 2006 | 08:46 AM

rudyexp

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Hi Marragtop!

Thanks for the quick reply! Will the enging run right if the serpintine belt is broke? I always thought if that goes, nothing will work, including the engine running smooth. What does that belt affect?
Also, I did check the power steering fluid, it's full. I was thinking if the pump went, I should have a fluid underneith the truck, but everything was dry.

Thanks again!

Rudy

Nov 6, 2006 | 08:54 AM

marragtop

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From: Baltimore

If the belt breaks, the engine will still run, but it will overheat since it won't be pumping any water. Also, the CEL will come on. Checking the belt will only take you less than a minute. Just pop the hood and take a look at it.

Nov 6, 2006 | 04:44 PM

mountaineer man

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sounds like a belt to me

Nov 6, 2006 | 10:35 PM

rudyexp

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Hi All!

So it was the belt, the belt didn't break, but the tension pulley did break. The spring is still on but the pully unit and the cover of the spring broke off. So tomorrow I'm getting anohter tension pully and a new belt. Takin the day off wednesday to replace this, since I can't drive it, or have the money to have it towed.
The next big question is, how hard is this. I can change oil, replace brake pads, etc, how much of a challange is this going to be?

Thanks for all your help!

Rudy

Nov 7, 2006 | 04:51 AM

marragtop

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From: Baltimore

I'm not sure which motor (6 or 8)you have, but it shouldn't be a big deal. Hopefully, you have the belt routing diagram under the hood that you can reference when you put the new belt on.