Two problems related to power steering pump have been reported for the 1997 Dodge Neon. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Consumer says that only when driving under wet conditions that the power steering belt gets loose, causing problems with the power steering. Also, brake pedal gets hard and the steering will not retract when turning a corner. Dealer has been contacted.
When driving over a puddle or when driving in the rain power steering belt gets wet, causing steering to become difficult which caused driver to almost hit a pedestrian. Consumer has contacted dealer. Dealer has replaced belts and has tightened them. However, problem returns whenever it rains. Manufacturer has provided dealer with instruction to tighten belts, and check the torque every three thousand miles.