power steering issue

[franknitty69]

hello everyone,

my power steering belt broke on the highway because the idler pulley seized. i lost steering (power assisted) and drove the car a few miles. i noticed power steering fluid coming out of the reservoir when i opened the hood to see what the hell.

after replacing all belts and pulleys i noticed that my power steering is hard at low speeds (parking, etc.), but once the engine gets about 2k it's back to normal. it is also making noise when i turn the wheel (not happening before).

i wanted to know if driving the car a few miles with no power steering belt damaged the power steering pump or steering rack.

1995 q45 w/active & traction

thanks,

ahmed

Modified by franknitty69 at 11:14 PM 4/14/2007

Modified by franknitty69 at 6:04 PM 4/15/2007 *it was the belt not hose (duh).
Modified by franknitty69 at 6:04 PM 4/15/2007

[Jesda]

Fluid was coming out of the top of the reservoir? Out of the cap?

Does the noise sound like a light grinding?

[franknitty69]

when i stopped the car fluid was coming out of the top of the reservoir; out of the cap (about 3-5 ounces).

the noise sounds like a light grinding.

also the power steering is abnormal all the time (not just at low speeds). when you try to turn the wheel it is stiff for about 3 seconds and then it's normal. when it approaches full lock it gets very stiff. i have added fluid, let the car run and turned the wheel lock-to-lock (held it for 10 secs).

needless to say, parking is a *****...

[Q451990]

i have added fluid, let the car run and turned the wheel lock-to-lock (held it for 10 secs).

That was going to be my next suggestion.

I have had ATF come out of the resivoir before turning the wheels lock to lock with the car off. Not sure what driving it without power to the pump does...

Heath