Power steering belt possibly snapped...?

Question

I have a 2000 Nissan Frontier 4x2 Regular Cab. Last night, on the way to work, my steering suddenly became tight. I looked down and noticed that my battery light and emergency brake light were on. I pulled off the road and my steering wheel wouldn't really turn. It took pressure to get off the road. I turned off my car and then turned it back on....the battery and brake lights stayed on, but my battery seems to be okay because I don't have any dimming of the headlights or interior lights. The tow truck driver thinks the power steering belt snapped. He said that will cause the lights on the dash to turn on? Does this sound right? How much approxmaitely do you think it will cost (including labor in California). I'm just looking for a round about figure. Or does this seem like some other problem?

Answer 1

Belt replacement is usually simple but will still take an hour of mechanic's time. Rough guess would be $ 75 for hour of labor $ 70-100 for the part, some shop supply charges, I can see $200 it may be less but its not going to be $40 like somebody here said, I can pretty much guarantee that.

Answer 2

Power Steering Belt Cost

Answer 3

Even though it's a diesel it does require electrical power to run the engine management system, amongst other things If the alternator belt snapped and you did nothing about it, then you've been running on a steadily discharging battery which now has no more power left. Here's a novel idea, how about getting someone who knows something about engines to have a look at it?

Answer 4

It's possible that the power steering belt also runs the alternator, most cars now tend to run 1 belt to run, alternator, A/C, waterpump and power steering.

Best to check it asap, should be very easy to spot.

A belt change should be a minimal expense, here in Australia, it would be less than than $40.00

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Power steering belt possibly snapped...?
I have a 2000 Nissan Frontier 4x2 Regular Cab. Last night, on the way to work, my steering suddenly became tight. I looked down and noticed that my battery light and emergency brake light were on. I pulled off the road and my steering wheel wouldn't really turn. It took pressure to get off the...

Answer 6

Because your vehicle has a 'serpentine' belt that drives all of the engine accessories it is very likely that it is broken. The 'battery' light will come on if the alternator is not spinning even if the battery is sufficiently charged. Without the power steering pump spinning the steering is hard just as if you were steering the vehicle without the engine running.
Hope this helps.
Jeff L

Answer 7

It does sound like the belt broke. It probably also runs things like the water pump, so you shouldn't run the engine until you get it fixed. It would be a lot cheaper you can do yourself. You can get the belt at a local part store for about $5 to $15. I looked up the belt at Autozone.com. If you don't know what you're doing, you should go to a mechanic. It will probably cost you $50 to $60 more depending on their labor cost.

Answer 8

any mechanic that takes an hour to put on a v belt shouldn't be in business. mine broke driving down the road, I stopped at a parts store, bought the belt for 22 dollars and they loaned me the tool and I put the belt on in less than 5 minutes. If you buy the belt from an auto shop they should not charge you to put it on as they will get their profit from the mark up on the parts and it only takes a couple of minutes.

Answer 9

All the car needs is to have a V belt replaced that drives your power steering your alternator and supplies corect power to your brake system it should not cost anymore than $70~~

Answer 10

Its called a Serpentine belt and it sounds right. You can change this by your self and save alot of money. The labor it will cost you could be upwards of 100-200 dollars. Go to the parts store and buy one and put it on.