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Chrysler Repair/Chrysler 3.8 Serpentine Belt: slips at power steering pump in rain
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Question
I have a 3.8 engine in my 99 Chrysler Grand Caravan. I had the issue in the past with the belt popping off and fixed it by putting a pulley with an outer lip on it on the top-most pulley. I recently had to replace my water pump. Since then, I have noticed that when it rains, I will temporarily lose power steering. After a short while, the belt will squeal and power steering returns. I don't belive the problem is with splash from below, as I don't experience this under speed. When I am idling during wet weather and then start up again, I notice the problem. I have noticed that the drain for the tray under the wiper blades drips directly onto the pulley and belt. Is there a kit/fix for this drain issue or do you have a suggestion for repairing the problem. Thanks for your time
Hi Kent,
I haven't heard of this drain/belt slippage problem before. Perhaps a Chrysler dealer shop can look in its annual Technical Service Bulletins for '99 and '00 to see if the factory noticed it and made any corrections. If not, then I would suggest that you look at the drain hole to see if you can put a length of curved tubing in the hole which would cause the dripping to move to another location away from the pulley. Or you could plug the drain and drill a hole for a drain nearby. I appreciate you passing this along so others might learn of this who have the same vehicle.
Roland
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Roland Finston
Expertise
I specialize in Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth cars, minivans, and SUV's for the model years 1982-2008 based upon my 50-year DIY experience, factory shop manuals and wiring diagrams. I offer fast repair advice to help you minimize repair costs by helping you diagnose and do it yourself. Problems with electronically controlled engines and transmissions as well as body wiring problems are my specialty.
I take questions one at a time between 8am and 10pm CT and attempt to answer within 20 minutes. "Maxed Out" means I am answering another question of otherwise busy, so try again later.
There are answers on file to more than sixteen thousand Chrysler questions at your finger tips: put a few key words in the "find" box (above) or click on "view past answers" for a chronological list of my q and a's. Don't use "Add to this answer" if you still have a question...ask it. As to trucks and jeeps I only have manuals for the '04-'06 model years.
Experience
Five decades as a 'do-it-yourselfer' on domestic and imported cars
Organizations
Yahoo Autos Group called The Chrysler Lebaron Club (co-moderator)
Education/Credentials
Degrees in Physics/bruised knuckles.
Awards and Honors
"Top expert of 2010" and "2011" at Allexperts.
Among top 50 experts for years 2006-2009 at Allexperts.
Quickest "average response time" at Allexperts (currently no. 1).
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