Dodge Dynasty power steering loss problems

Filed Sep 29, 2009 · Electrical, Engine · 165,000 miles · TN

Serpentine belt comes off when splashed by water on road, causing failure of power steering, alternator and water pump. This failure was routine whenever the vehicle was driven through pooled water exceeding 1/2 inch. The upper alternator bracket was found to have suffered fatigue cracks and the alternator mounting bolt was not held rigid. Splashed water causes the belt to slip-catch thus displacing the position of the alternator pulley, and the belt is thrown off the pulleys. This was the last of many incidents (approximately 10 other times) where the belt was thrown driving on wet roads. (the original equipment splash shield is in place.) the loss of power steering in a turn is considered to be an extreme hazard (occurred six times.) the engine is the 3.3 liter v6 which was used extensively in many chrysler vehicles in this era, and aging may affect many others. (if an owner complains of repetitive instances of throwing the serpentine belt during wet weather, check the upper alternator bracket mounting bolt location for breaks or cracks.) the bracket was removed, a piece of steel was worked to replace the broken area of the bracket and mig welded into the bracket.

Filed Aug 4, 2006 · Fuel system · OR

The most recent failure was when I was driving up a very curvy road (hwy 101) in oregon. The temperature was not overly warm, the car had only been driven 20 miles or so that morning. I was using the air conditioner off and on so as not to have the windows open. We reached the crest and when starting down, the engine died when the gas pedal was released and brakes applied, and the power steering stopped. I managed to break to the side of the road and was towed to town. The next morning when the mechanic's opened, they started the car and it didn't fail after 20 miles of driving the same terrain, and we returned home (90 miles or so) without a problem. This has happened on several previous occasions, intermittently, months may go by, then without warning, usually when removing my foot from the gas, the car loses power and dies. It has always started up again immediately except for the latest incident. The former owner of this car said this also happened to him. He seems to think adding a fuel cleaner to the gas helps prevent occurrences. Mechanics say it's impossible to find the cause if it's running. Needless to say, I'll be looking for a newer vehicle.

Filed Oct 23, 1996 · Steering · NY

Power steering failed.

Filed Feb 20, 1996 · Steering · MD

Power steering belt tensioner came off while driving; caused loss of steering control; belt put back on once before, half off again. Tt

Filed Jan 30, 1996 · Steering · NY

Have experienced power steering failures, steering belt tensioner was replaced twice. Tt

Filed Jan 29, 1996 · Steering · OK

Power steering belt tensioner fractured, loss of power steering. Tt

Filed Jan 4, 1996 · Brakes, Engine · WI

Bolt securing belt tensioner broke resulting complete loss of steering and any other components that functioned off the belt. Please describe details. Tt

Filed Nov 9, 1995 · Steering · TX

The steering belt tensioner has fractured which caused loss of steering. Please describe. Tt

Filed Nov 1, 1995 · Steering · TX

The steering belt tensioner was replaced two times the steering is hard to turn sometime . Tt

Filed Oct 25, 1995 · Steering · CA

Belt tensioner fractures, causing the loss of power steering. Tt