Serpentine Belt/Steering Rack Question

[c1207]

Hi everyone, I just got my 2001 Ford Focus back from the shop (original purpose was to replace the fuel filter, get an oil change, and replace a window regulator fix a power window). They also noted that the steering rack and the rocker cover gasket was leaking oil, and based on their recommendations, I had those replaced/fixed as well. My car before I got it back from them was driving fine without any issues. When I got my car back from them yesterday, however, it was making a quiet, subtle screeching noise when I was driving it around. I thought I should take it back to have them check it out. This morning driving to work, the car is now making really loud screeching noises like I was torturing tweety bird or something, and at my last couple turns on the way to work, it became extremely difficult to turn the steering wheel, so I took it back in the shop again. They told me that the steering belt snapped and communicated to me that it was independent of anything else that they did before (asking for another $269 to fix it). I looked it up some more, and it seems that they are talking about the serpentine belt. Now, if you haven't notice already, I'm not any type of expert with cars. This whole situation is real suspect to me. So here is my question: could this whole series of events really be just coincidence that my steering belt broke and messed up my steering completely independent of the work they did or are they trying to play me? Before I start crying foul/filing complaints I would like to get some feedback from people who have a bit of experience. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thanks much!

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[tabetha]

Unless your engine is different to the european ones, there is only one belt, apart from the actual timing belt, which they had no need to go anywhere near.
The belt is indeed a serpentine belt, just a fancy name to describe the way the belt looks when fitted as it goes all over the place, it is a multi ribbed belt(correct name), nothing fancy.
If this snapped it would not only knock out completely your power steering but also your charge light/battery light would iluminate as the alternator is also powered from this belt, so also is the water pump, so overheating would be a issue.
I wonder whether they put some oil on the belt, it's very unusual for these to slip as the multi ribbed type have much more grip/surface area than a std old type fan belt.
Putting anew belt on is easy, once you figure out the route it takes, I always draw it out first on paper, saves hours of cursing as they are unbelievable some of them.
Do you not have a buddy gi/mech that could take a look for you, as $269 bucks is taking the piss big time for this job, 30 mins tops and the belt most likely $45-$55.
tabetha