my mechanic is doing some research and is gonna call me back but here's the problem

first off to my knowledge, the fluid is at its proper level but i will check again in a bit

here's the deal:

everytime it rains and i drive at a decent speed through a nice sized puddle i loose power steering for anywhere from 10-40 seconds ... belt is in good condition and no aparent leaks anywhere ...

mechanic thinks the belt is getting wet and slipping over the pulley ... says chrysler minivans had a similar problem but the belt would slip off in the process and the problem was solved with some sort of shield

is it possible that when i hit a big puddle the pump empties the resevoir and i don't get my power steering back until some returns to the pump? or is it more likely that the mechanics theory is correct?

any and all input will be appreciated. thanks

 

Chances are the belt got wet and slipped over the pulley. If it only happens when it gets wet. My wifes Neon does the same thing only the the alternator.

 

if that's the case then how do i fix it because it does it guranteed everytime ... i can't have a truck that can't drive through puddles ... that's just stupid ...

 

Make sure the belt tensioner is keeping the belt nice an tight. You can also take the belt off ans spray the belt dressing on it, but be careful, it can go everywhere ans stains/paints almost permanently.