1997 Chevrolet Lumina Logo
Posted on Jun 16, 2011
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I have a power steering leak and my belt is starting to shred. Is it safe to drive? Should it be replaced immediately?

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Yes, you should replace it asap. Power steering pumps can reach extreme high temperatures from lack of lubrication resulting in a fire. As far as your belt you must change that as well.

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Your power steering leak is not a big deal, just keep the power steering fluid filled. As for the belt, if it breaks you will lose power steering. you will still be able to steer but it will not be power assisted and will be harder to steer. The biggest risk is the leakage could drip on the exhaust which could start a fire.
if this was helpful, please give it 4 thumbs up to help others.

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Related Questions:

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No power steering no power brakes, when i started it belt started shredded which was recently replaced everything turns with plenty if fluid but still no power steering and no power brakes??

Check power steering pump for broken pulley shaft. Pull on pulley and if it pulls out of pump, the shaft will be broken and pump replacement required
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Plymouth acclaim, the power steering went out a week or so started making a noise wen turning or taking off, I noticed the belt had a crack in it, tried to make it home & the belt just shredded apart,...

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Can you drive a standard without power steering

If the vehicle is fitted with pas it MUST work for the mot. However the oil lubes parts in the rack & the pump so without I would assume there is a poss it could seize. If it was myn I would cut the hose, use a metal pipe & join the 2 bits of hose.
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At slow rpm its hard to turn either way is it related to brake line replacement?

no,this would have to do with belt,or power steering pump low on fluid, or pump itself. Brake line has nothing to do with steering .
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There is a loud "whining"

Power steering pumps whine when they are low on fluid, or if they are goin bad. Serpentine belts also whine in cold weather or when they are goin bad. Tru spraying just a little WD40 on the belts when its running, if it goes away, you should be thinking about a new belt. If nothing changes, check the power steering fluid, if its full, take to a mechanic
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A belt keeps slipping off and the power steering no longer works.

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Lookng for serpentine belt routing diagram for 1998 2.4 L sunfire

1998 Pontiac Sunfire Belt Routing Diagram

A drive belt routing diagram is needed when replacing a drive belt to help simplify the installation process. The problem arises as there are many different ways a drive belt can be configured. In this configuration the belt length will vary not allowing the belt to be installed. Also alternative configurations could turn a particular accessory the wrong direction, creating more problems. Always reinstall the drive belt in the exact configuration as the previous belt to prevent these problems. Always use high quality replacement products to avoid premature drive belt failure. If a multi rib drive belt fails it must be replaced immediately to avoid such situations such as engine overheating and loss of the power steering system. Whenever a belt replacement is required inspect the pulley condition to ensure there are no sharp edges on any of the pulleys, this will cause the belt to shred and fail. Confirm that all pulleys are free from debris such as small pebbles, these pebbles will cause the belt to pit and significantly impair the belt performance. The belt tensioner plays an important role to the drive belt performance, if this tensioner is weak it can allow the belt to lose tension allowing the belt to jump and skip. This condition will result in noises such as squeaking, chirping and ticking.

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Hope helps (remember rated this help).





6helpful
2answers

Belt diagram

A drive belt routing diagram is needed when replacing a drive belt to help simplify the installation process. The problem arises as there are many different ways a drive belt can be configured. In this configuration the belt length will vary not allowing the belt to be installed. Also alternative configurations could turn a particular accessory the wrong direction, creating more problems. Always reinstall the drive belt in the exact configuration as the previous belt to prevent these problems. Always use high quality replacement products to avoid premature drive belt failure. If a multi rib drive belt fails it must be replaced immediately to avoid such situations such as engine overheating and loss of the power steering system. Whenever a belt replacement is required inspect the pulley condition to ensure there are no sharp edges on any of the pulleys, this will cause the belt to shred and fail. Confirm that all pulleys are free from debris such as small pebbles, these pebbles will cause the belt to pit and significantly impair the belt performance. The belt tensioner plays an important role to the drive belt performance, if this tensioner is weak it can allow the belt to lose tension allowing the belt to jump and skip. This condition will result in noises such as squeaking, chirping and ticking.

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Hope helps (remember rated this).
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Fluid leaked on belt; car won't fully crank;how do i get to run?

check you crank sensor wiring. wires run from behind a plastic cover up and out towards the radiator. good luck
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Steering issues

Find the leak and repair it...It is a sealed system, if you are adding large amounts of power steering fluid, it is leaking out somewhere. Hoses, reservoir, steering box, power steering pump are places to check. You should only have to add minimal fluid to the system for the entire year.

The immediate squeal you hear is most probably the unit is out of fluid or has leaked onto the serpentine belt and causing it to slip.
Fix the leak and check your serpentine belt for wear.
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