Charging system problem

[Bodack]

I read a few previous threads about the troubles power steering fluid on an alternator can give you, and I think that might be my problem. The other day I had my power steering pump off and tried to reroute the fluid to a can, but a lot spilled on the alternator. I put everything back on, drove for a while, shut the car off, went to crank it again and it was dead. I got a jump, let the battery charge a bit, the took the cables off of the battery and it went dead. I diagnosed the alternator being dead, then got a new one. I installed the new one, got a jump, but the alternator still wouldn't keep the car running. I do have a slight leak on top of the power steering pump at the banjo connection and there is a slight possibility that a few drops of fluid got on the alternator. Would this be enough to kill a brand new alternator (it's warrantied, so I'm not out of the game yet)? Also, when I drove the car after putting the steering pump on, the coolant, e-brake, and battery lights would come on at idle, but if I revved it they would go away until the RPMs dropped back to idle. Suggestions?

[crunchymilk55]

It only takes a few drops to fry an alternator. Been there done that

Regarding the lights, the ebrake and the battery light will come on with a dead alternator, at least on a 2g. Perhaps on a 1g the coolant light also comes on, someone else will have to chime in. No clue about them dissapearing though with a rev. Perhaps since it's drawing more power, but mine stayed on no matter what. It's like a countdown lol

[corning_d3]

Charge your battery fully before putting on a new alternator. All that load on a fresh alt. can fry one.. Been there with the PS fluid on the alt....

[Bodack]

Well the alternator was definitely fried. I took off the power steering pump because I found the leak on the power steering pump. It's where I gouged the flat area around the banjo bolt fitting while trying to get it loose . It'll be a few days before I can get a new one, so I pose this question...will it be so hard to steer with the pump/belt off that I just won't be able to drive, or will it be ok for the time being?? A friend said it's worse than driving a car that was meant to not have power steering, but I know of people (possibly DSMers, but Honda owners for sure) that take off their power steering belt to free up as much power as possible? So, what's gonna happen if I drive it?

[corning_d3]

I'll guess it's gonna build up your upper body....

[Bodack]

Not having power steering wasn't so bad on the Interstate. I had to make a drive from Nashvill, TN to Montgomery, AL and really just right-hand 90 degree turns were the only problem. I thought about just leaving it off, but the $100 for the new pump isn't too bad. Thanks for all the help.