2000 Dodge Dakota Power Steering not working

2000 DODGE DAKOTA
47,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • MANUAL
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JSS05010
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I was messing around in the snow with my truck and all of a sudden the power steering stopped working. I tried shutting the truck off and turning it back on, and that didn't work. There is plenty of fluid in the pump.
Jan 7, 2009 at 10:35 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi:
Is the belt still on? Is the PS pump pulley turning? Did any of the hoses come off?
Jan 8, 2009 at 8:58 PM
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JSS05010
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Yeah the pully is still on. The fluid does not move when I turn the steering wheel. Also the steering wheel does not lock if it turns when the truck is off.
Jan 8, 2009 at 9:32 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi:
Is the pulley turning with the belt?
Jan 9, 2009 at 5:51 PM
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JSS05010
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Yes the pulley is turning with the belt. My belt has been squeaking for the past few months though.
Jan 9, 2009 at 11:32 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
It sounds like the belt is slipping and not turning the pump fast enough. Is the belt tight? Could the tensionier be weak not keeping enough tension?
Jan 10, 2009 at 1:01 AM
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