Toyota Repair: Power steering cuts out after decelerating for a turn in wet weather., power steering pump, jim harper

Question
I have a 1995 Camry with automatic transmission.  Recently on a wet rainy day the power steering failed for a few seconds and then came back.  This was after a short drive and happend when I was making a turn (so I had just decelerated to make the turn when it happened).  When the conditions were dry, it did not happen.  Conditions wet, it happened again.  The shop where I took the car (not a dealer) at first thought it was problem that could be corrected by a tune up and review of the electical system.  A diognostic test did not show up anything.  When I described the problem again and that the car did not stall, but rather the steering cut out, then they thought it could be the power steering pump (a $440 repair) and if that didn't solve the problem then they said it could be the rack (a $600 repair).  Seems at this point they are guessing with my money...and I really don't want to put $1,000 into the car with 160,000 miles.  I just repaired the rear suspension for $300.  Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated...including saying it is time to cut my losses and donate this car.  Thanks for your time.  Jim Harper.

Answer
Before you spend all this money have the power steering belt replaced and properly tightened, it sounds to me that the belt may be a little bit loose and in the rain some water got on the belt causing it to slip, that may be all there is to it so give that a try.