Question: Since the power steering pump rotates the alternator's serpentine belt, could a failing or hindered pump cause the alternator to not charge properly?

Explanation: Hi everyone. New user here with a battery light issue. Few days ago, the light came on and the battery was dying once I made it to town (flickering radio lights, windows moving slow, etc). I stopped at Autozone and had the battery tested. Diagnosis revealed the battery was almost completely dead and the alternator was only outputting 11 volts (minimum 14).

I had them charge the battery, so I could drive it home, work on it, and possibly replace the alternator. Decided to look everything over and clean the area under the hood while waiting. The power steering fluid reservoir was really greasy, and I think leaking. I've had some power steering issues recently, so not too surprising. I cleaned the PS reservoir, pump, and alternator pretty thoroughly. On the way home, the battery light never came on and everything acted normally. Out of curiosity, I stopped at an Advanced Auto Parts I saw for another battery test. Everything was working fine & alternator was outputting 14 volts.

Yesterday, the battery light finally came back on again. Checked the PS reservoir and the fluid level has dropped significantly. Cleaned off the alternator & PS pump and battery light went away.