My Jeep needed a new alternator. Garage changed alternator and next day the power steering pump (pulley) fell off taking the serpentine belt with it. I know the power steering pulley is on opposite side of engine from alternator. Why would this need to be removed or loosened to access the alternator? (There has never been a problem with the power steering, not even a squeek!)
I see this is a two part question...
In replacing the alternator, there is no reason at all to be messing with the pulley on the power steering. That pulley is pressed on and though you could remove it with a puller it is far more difficult to re-install without the proper tools. (it is not hammered on). Power steering pulleys don't just fall off. They are so tightly pressed onto the shaft that they don't even require a retaining bolt to hold them on.
Without the benefit of being able to examine it myself, I'd have to guess that either you originally had a mis-match of pulley to pulley shaft and the pulley was sliding on the shaft (so remote a concept that you may be hit by a meteorite if you buy that) Or someone removed it for an unknown reason and did not properly re-install it.
Testimonial: "Thank you thundergod! My daughter has been borrowing my car so I have not been able to examine it myself either. Thanks again for your quick help!"
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