Alternator Nut
 

So I'm tooling down the turnpike here in jersey, here a little rattle. Rattle stops and the dash light goes on. Thought the power steering was still working. Gauges looked normal. Went to change lanes and no power steering. I quickly looked at the temp gauge and it was at 120. Clicked off the key and coasted to a stop.

The belt came off because the alternator pulley was lose. I thought it was broken so after I got it towed home (that's 2 tow's) I was ready to buy an alternator.

I decided to pull it off and have a look. I took the nut off which was finger tight and pulled it apart. Nothing seemed damaged but the woodruf key was missing. Tried to source one but couldn't so I zapped the thing back together with an air gun and am now hoping for the best.

Is this common?

yup, common.

most do not have any key in there.

Without the key, it will eventually come loose again. You may be able to find generic keys in the hardware store.

nah, as long as it has a locknut under the nut, it should stay tight. hardly any alternators include the key anymore...

I may yank the nut off again and throw some locktight on it.