1997 Infiniti Q45 Steering Slop - Rack Bushing?

[Jorell]

My power steering went out and I already had a loose bushing. But without the assist, the steering wheel would pop one without steering when I turned left and right. After a little more wear it popped twice. It doesn't steer until it "catches". It seems like a rubber gear with teeth is slowly wearing down all it's teeth. Now there is no longer a pop, but rather a grind as the steering wheel turns a quarter turn with no steering at all! Needless to say I couldn't drive it long without power steering before I had to land it in a shop whether I could afford to fix it or not. I knew I had to replace the bushing anyway..

Am I right that I've completely destroyed the steering rack bushing?.

My power steering went out. With the reservoir full, the pump sounds like its getting no fluid in it. There are no leaks leaving a puddle under my car. Do I have a problem with the rotary valve not allowing fluid to pass through the circuit?

I need to fix this car as cheaply as possible, or it could end up being charity scraps.

[maxnix]

Part it out! If you cannot affor rack bushings and accessory drive belt maintenance and fluid changes, you are in a hole that's getting a lot deeper quickly.

Imported luxury V8 sedans will bite you hard if you can't afford to restore then maintain them.

Cheap and imported luxury V8 do not go together, unfortunately.