Power steering and water pump both went out at same time

2005 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC
210 MILES • 4.0L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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PAULA COLOSI
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  • 1 POST
(210,000 miles). Driving home in heavy rain when power steering suddenly went out and within a couple minutes, engine started overheating. Checked all fluids and they are fine. Checked engine compartment and could not find anything that had come loose. What next? Does power steering and water pumps share a common relay or fuse?
Aug 8, 2017 at 6:53 AM
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CARADIODOC
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 34,321 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
The drive belt probably broke or fell off. It also runs the generator so you would have had a charging system problem too. It is also possible the belt got overloaded with water and that caused it to slip. Normally that will not occur long enough for the engine to overheat, but the clue would be you have power steering again after the vehicle sat for a while. That water should have cleared off in less than half a minute or so.
Aug 9, 2017 at 5:02 AM
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