Chrysler Repair: Power Steering Problems: 03 Sebring 2.7L, power steering problems, tension level

Question
When the weather outside is below 15°F (59°F) I have a problem upon startup that the steering is very jerky, noisy and seems to loose all power assist.  The rack and pinion has been replaced, the fluid is at the full level, the tires are properly inflated and the mechanic I took it too saw no problem with the serpentine belt.  The car is a 2003 sebring limited convertible with the 2.7 l v6.  When the car is in the garage the problem does not happen.  It only occurs when the car sits all day in a parking lot.  If you turn the wheel forcing the pump to squel and work agaisnt the fact there is no power steering after a minute or so everything is returned to normal.  

Answer
Hi Evan,
The belt that drives the pump on that engine is not a serpentine. It only drives one item, the pump. So maybe the mechanic didn't check the proper belt.
The power steering pump belt has a relatively high tension level. A used belt should measure 70-115 lbs or another way is to 'pluck' the belt and measure the tone of which should be 94-136 hz (cycles per second).
There is a 1/2" drive hole in the pump bracket, and so if you insert a 1/2" drive breaker bar in the hole and put clockwise pressure you can tighten the adjusting bolt on the pump to tighten the belt. That would be my first thought, that the belt is just too loose.
If it isn't that then it could be lack of lubrication in the ball joints or similar friction in the other moving parts. There is also a pressure switch which may be out of adjustment/faulty that is releasing the internal pressure of the system. But all that is going to be some labor and parts. Check the belt tension first.
Roland