Help!!!!

[timweb]

buddy of mine has a 2002 Grand Am GT, the sedan with about 85k on the clock.
he was out doing a few doughnuts tonight and then the steering locked up, after that the steering has been really tight and feels like a loss of power steering.

not sure what the problem is but he called me and told me what had happened. i said it's probably somthing to do with the pump or electronics because you all have electronic assist in the power steering right??

if anyone could help that would be great thanks!!!

Tim

2007 Dodge Ram QC Big Horn
20" Chrome wheels

[bballr4567]

The pump is gone. He needs a new one.

On GAs they are pretty stout but when you load all that pressure on it during donuts its going to fry the interals of the pump.

[infernus]

No electronic assist, but... how do you do donuts in a front drive car without doing it in reverse? I do it in snow all the time, or at least whip it around 180 and take off, but was he doing this on dry pavement? Dry pavement reverse donuts in a front drive car is probably really hard on your ball joints and all of your steering components. I bet he won't do it again...

If he wants to go the cheap route, he can just loop out the power steering. I know some folks are going to say "oh, thats a bad idea blah blah blah reason this, excuse that" but my 64 GP has no power steering (took it out) and I can drive that ok. It takes some upper body strength, but in a small car like a Grand Am it shouldn't be nearly as hard.

[bballr4567]

I take it you havent ever had a car with a complete power steering setup and then the pump go bad. Its IMPOSSIBLE to drive the car. Parking lots are just great fun to drive around in.

Also on a GA you would have to find a idler pulley that will fit in the power steering spot. Not to mention a bracket to mount that idler pulley on.

[timweb]

he was doing them in the snow, we got about 5 inches tonight and was out messing around. just wondering what to expect to replace when he takes it in next week.

thanks for the help guys!