Hyundai Repair: Power Steering stops working on my 2000 Hyundai Elantra, hyundai elantra, 2000 hyundai elantra

Question
When the steering wheel is turned the pulley on the Power steering pump stops turning.  This causes the power steering to stop working.  I have tightened the belts and the fluid levels are within limits.  Do I have a bad pump, pulley or may the pulley just be loose?

Answer
I doubt the pulley will be loose-- it bolts on and the shaft is splined.  I suppose it's possible that the splines on the pulley and/or shaft are stripped off, but this would typically not cause the pulley to stop turning.  If the pump were bad, it should not turn even when you're not providing any input to the steering wheel.  

The only plausible explanation I can think of is that there's a restriction in the system causing the pressure to build up so high that the pump can no longer turn.  If this is the case, and you've got no kinked lines, the issue could be in the rack.  I'd recommend, however, that if you're to the point where you think you need a rack, that you take the car to a competent shop to have it diagnosed.  This is a large expense, and I wouldn't want you to make it without being sure as to where the problem lies.

Every single instance I can think of where the power steering pulley stops turning has been due to a belt tension issue, and nearly always it has been the alternator belt tension.  This belt needs to be very tight to prevent slippage.  Also keep in mind that installing a belt that's too large will cause you to not be able to tighten it enough.  I realize you said you've tightened the belts, but I'd recommend going back and rechecking them just to be sure, especially the alternator belt.  I don't want to see you move to more expensive items when the solution could be free or the cost of a belt.