Does the steering effort change with the AC off? If yes, then the AC has nothing to do with the problem.

 

The only way to know the exact amount of freon amount in the system is to evacuate, vacuume amd recharge by weight. Sounds like you need a belt/tentioner(pita) by your posts.

Very rare overcharging your ac would cause a stiff wheel(there is a blow off valve for cases of extreme overcharging).

A good gauge set(high and low, not from harbourfreight) would indicate overcharge condition(both the low side high and the high side high(over 2 and a half times ambient temp.)).

Best

 

The tensioner is a PITA. The bolt that holds it in, to be exact. They tend to last if you don't go all Hulk on them with a larger extension bar. If you replace it I would go OEM or a really well reviewed aftermarket to avoid the need to change it again anytime soon.

 

I would think the most likely cause is belt slipping. Tighten it or depending on condition, replace it and then tension it correctly.

Buckaroo

 

Bad advice from this idiot. Check the operation of the tensioner.....my '02 tensioner was almost dead and I had to replace it. DO check the serpentine belt and replace it if necessary while you are in there.

Buckaroo

 

The belt is driven by the crankshaft pulley so if it is overloaded by the compressor the engine idle must be slower or the belt must be slipping massively. Given that you have not mentioned either, I assume you have not seen these thongs happening. If neither one of these things is happening then I think it must be a coincidence as there is no other link between these 2 systems (that I can think of)

 

Yes, I added R-134, and I had a low pressure gauge - made sure the engine was running and the a/c was on high, stayed on the low end of the 'green zone' per the gauge, since I also get concerened about overfilling. The PS fluid is full yes.

 

Fix the leak first.

Those store can gauges are for old time Detroit accumulator systems, not for higher efficiency expansion valve systems. You need a manifold gauge set like those <$40 ones online.

I guess you probably overcharged it and caused drag on the drive belt system as mentioned.

 

How did you add refrigerant - with part's store recharge can and low pressure gauge?

How did you know when to stop adding?

If you overfilled it could be affecting the compressor and causing more load on the belt. If the steering is stiff then pump may not be rotating fast enough.

Or, just coincidence. Is the PS fluid full?