Power Steering Failure on A Class

[puds]

I have a 1999 A Class and on driving home today noticed that the Battery warning light came on about 10 mins from home (had been driving for 2 hours). Only when I went to turn off the dual carriageway did I realise that the steering was very heavy like the power steering had failed. Can anyone help and explain what might have gone wrong?
Thanks

 

[roofless]

the belt that drive's the ps pump & altenator has failed ???

 

[Uncle Benz]

Power steering is electric, and will only be switched on when the alternator has positive output. This suggests alternator failed, or as already mentioned, belt fallen off. The plastic belt idlers often fail on these, shedding the belt, but it is usually a noisy failure that you would be hard pushed not to notice.

 

[puds]

power steering failure

Thanks. I will look tomorrowmin daylight. Is it a big job?

 

[Uncle Benz]

Access is not great. It is all done from underneath. None of it is visible from under the bonnet. You need thin and narrow hands, but it can be done. Maybe see if the belt is still on first...