Chrysler Repair: Chrysler 3.8 Serpentine Belt: slips at power steering pump in rain, chrysler grand caravan, technical service bulletins


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

Answer
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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