For the second time in about a month, I lost power steering (partially) after driving through a fairly large puddle. I believe last time this happened, I also had to disconnect then reconnect the battery before it started. From reading threads here, it seems like one of two things:

1) distributor cap and rotor need to be replaced

2) water causing belt to slip

How do I go about figuring out which one it is?

Thanks!

 

Stop driving through puddles?

 

or you aqua planned.

 

What vehicle do you drive? Year and model please.

 

2000 Lexus ES 300... and I wish I could just stop driving through puddles but it's going to happen occasionally. I mean I didn't go through it super fast or anything.

 

You dont have distributor. If water gets on belt it might cause it to slip, partially disabling power steering.

 

Hmmm is there any way to fix it? Just get a new belt because mine is worn?

 

Clean your belt with brake cleaner. Adjust the tension if needed.
The belt should be replaced when you replace the timing belt.