Can power steering cause power loss

[my dreamt dsm]

Car is on and in idle. When I turn the steering wheel car loses a good chunk of power noticeable that the idle drops a good 3-400 rpms. You can hear the engine struggling to idle when I constantly turn the steering wheel.
I also been having knock issues when I get on the throttle. I have no check engine light, leaks or boost leaks.
Could this be my alternator starting to go out? Seems like when power is applied to those factors it leads back to the alternator. OH, also when A/C is on. Car loses MAJOR power.

 

[spyderdrifter]

Power steering will cause a little power loss, but when an alternator is going out, it can intensify that power loss, since the alternator isn't recharging the battery and causes the engine to run down the battery instead.

 

[my dreamt dsm]

Oh yeah, think of it, my battery isn't really charging also. I'm scared to get stranded so I don't listen to music in my car anymore.

 

[spyderdrifter]

Definitely sounds like your alternator then

 

[zkheasley]

Sry to chime in on a already resolved issue but a power steering pump with a lot of crud in it will produce a lots of drag, Spyderdrifter is right tho its definitely worth a trip to get your alternator checked.

 

[1G Eclipse94928]

I agree, get the alternator tested, and get a new one that has a lifetime warranty.