Power Steering...Pump or Rack???

[BlueTLM89]

I've got this 1999 Pontiac GA V6, and the other night my friend was doing some doughnuts with it and afterwards he said the steering was a little stiff...

I've driven it yesterday, and found that when I accelerate, even in stationary position, my power steering is fine (or at least better). Yet, when I try to make slow turns, or park, my steering becomes next to impossible. I'm guessing this could be an indication that my pump is ABOUT to go out, because it only works right when the RPM's go over about 2,300.

I'm thinking it's my pump, but could it be something else? The fluid is full and I haven't found any leaks. I know the costs of a pump or rack aren't too expense (around $65 each or something?), I'm just trying to figure out the best way possible to get it serviced and not look stupid as hell when I walk in somewhere.

The serpentine belt is brand new, so I doubt it is that at all, plus I'm not hearing any rattling noise that you normally do from a belt.

Any advice? I'm hoping to get it looked at today, but I want to know what it is I'm talking about, exactly (if I don't, already).

THANKS!!!

[Matt95GT]

Doing donuts = guaranteed way to kill the pump.

[BlueTLM89]

So you believe it's that, too? Thanks, at least I know it shouldn't be too much to do. Most repairs I've done to the car is body work and a brake cylinder. We'll see if I can do this engine thing or not...if not it still shouldn't cost too much. THX!

[Gagt518]

Do you see where a little bit of fun gets you?

[BlueTLM89]

Haha, I know, that's y I told his ass to stop but it was too late...New notice, though...

Aside from the original groaning, I hear a clicking sound when I turn the wheel (with the hood up and in park). Does that indicate anything else besides the pump to any of you all? And how exactly does one know when it's the pump that's about to go out? Or can you even tell without lookin' all in the engine?

Tried to get a few quotes on it today, one guy said a pump was gonna cost me $190 for the part, which is 3 times the cost of one so I just walked out. Besides that, I'm waitin' to take it in on monday.

But does that clicking noise mean anything else?

[Matt95GT]

Your AC or defrost is probably on... that's the click. Turn it off... bet the click will go away.

[tenspeed]

www.rockauto.com lists them for $55 to $285. Have your friend help fix it.

[BlueTLM89]

Matt,

You're probably right. Guess I'm back to knowing nothing as of now. Dealership said it could just be one rod or the rack or the pump, but I'm just hoping it's the cheapest one possible.

TenSpeed,

Thx for the site, I'll add it to my favorites. Had a guy one time try to take the head off my engine to replace my serpentine belt n THEN told me he needed to do a drill n retap cuz he screwed up. WTH?! BUT...I was out of state and was out of patience and quite honestly, didn't give a damn.

That's y I love cars, but I hate how they're built.

[BlueTLM89]

And hate who fixes em...unless its free :)

[Gagt518]

If it was me i would have my firend's ass pay for it:cool:

[BlueTLM89]

Man, I feel ya on that one...except I'm movin to Chicago in 12 days, n his broke ass aint eva gon have enough money to pay for that shit. Sooooooooo I jus say http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_censored.gif it, get it ova wit