So, the other day I'm driving along some NH backroads with the A/C cranked cuz it was 95F outside. Took a wrong turn onto a dead end and had to turn around.

At this point the power steering seemed to go out, while attempting a 3 point turn on a narrow road with deep ditches. I wrestled the wheel and got it turned around and started slowly back down the narrow winding road. There were a few switch backs that I barely made it around.

I needed a smoke after that so I opened the windows and shut off the AC. After that the power steering was fine. WTF?

There were no noises to indicate a problem, , other that a little squeal at full turn . Everything looked OK under the hood, nothing leaking, etc.

Is this a sign of impending power steering failure? I haven't tested the power steering again with the AC cranked, but are these connected, or coincidence?

Thanks for any insights!

 

More likely a tensioner, or belt problem. A/C puts additional load on the belt. Check your tensioner. See if it isn't getting weak.

 

I'll take a look at the tensioner. Hopefully that's all it is. The belt looked fine and the fluid level was good.

 

Sorry to somewhat hijack here, but where ya from in NH?

 

I'm near Manchester.

 

Ah, im originally from chester.

 

Nice. I head over to the Chester Rod & Gun Club for occasional recoil therapy.