Ford Repair: Belt broken, Taurus 95, taurus 3, strange noise

Question
Steve,

I never got any trouble with my 95 Taurus (3.0 liter engine) except minor leaking oil started last year. I have the gasket of main oil pan replaced (it costs me $466) on Feb. 28 at local Ford dealer (Sterling, VA). After that I noticed some strange noise, specially right after start the engine. On March 5, the car is broken. What happened was I suddenly cannot turn the wheel after smelling some rubber-burning smell. I found the belt was broken after pull over on the shoulder. The car was towed to the same dealer. I was told that diagnosis needed as the belt does not break itself.

Would you please give me some advice? What might cause the belt break? Why I could not turning the wheel when the belt was broken.

Thank you very much!

Youcheng  

Answer
Youcheng-

  Belts actually can break on their own...they wear just like anything else on a car and need to be replaced periodically...I assume that's what the "strange noise" you heard on start-up was (my guess is that the noise was a high-pitched squeal).  Sometimes belts can also more a little backwards or forwards on a pulley which can cause it to jump off and get shredded.  As for your steering going after the belt broke, the belt turns your power steering pump to supply it pressure.  Without the belt turning it the steering becomes extremely stiff and difficult to turn.  Hope this helps.

Steve