Power Steering 1988 Grand Am?

Question

Ive got an 88 Grand Am as my back and forth drive to work beater car.
In the past month, Ive had to fill the power steering reservoir twice. So, Ive got a leak someplace, that much I realize. Its been freezing here in Chicago, and I havent had the time to search for it.
Since I drive 120 miles round trip to work and back daily, if the power steering pump goes out will that prevent me from driving it?
Its got the serpentine belt that drives all accessories.
Also if youre a mechanic and answer this, for a backyard mechanic such as myself (Ive done brakes, heater-core, radiator, etc.) how diffuluclt of a job is this? Brakes were easy, radiator was easy, heater core was a PITA though!

So, 2 questions.
1. If the power steering pump goes, will it strand me on the highway, or will I be able to drive it just with no power steering?
2. As a backyard mechanic, how diffulcult of a job is putting in a new steering pump on this Grand Am?

Thanks, and hopefully a knowledgeable mechanic will reply.

Answer 1

Check the pump for a leak, look at the back of the pulley and see if it has a lot of oil on it. If you don't see any fluid on the driveway then I would say you have a good pump and you have one of two things.
The least expensive is the High pressure hose. They can get a leak that only spews when you are driving and it is hard to find.
The more expensive one is the rack. when you are under the car pull back one of the rubber boots at the end of the rack. Oil there will pinpoint a worn rack. they should be dry under the boot where the rod exits the Steering rack.
I would change the hose first.

Answer 2

No you won't get stranded, but you'll lose the "power" part of the steering. You'll have to steer just by "manual" power, like the old days. Then you'll realize why they invented power steering! lol.

No, it's not a hard job. First step is to loosen up and remove the belt from the power steering pulley, by loosening up the belt adjuster. Look for it. Get a manual, or go to autoparts.com, and look up on line.

Since you're going to this much trouble, you may as well also replace the serp belt.

Answer 3

im also a shadetree mechanic. the pump going will not affect much unless the bearing inside stes up. this can cause other parts to set up as there is only the one belt. i had that happen when a wtaer pump bearing set up.the pump shouldnt be too hard to change as long as it is easily assessible and not in an oddball place where you have to remove other parts to change it.

Answer 4

if the pump goes,the belt cant turn,especially if the bearing freezes up.its not that hard to change,i did it before and iam just a shadetree mech.if its leaking,get some stop leak,until you get the weather to change it.

Answer 5

1.) if you have a serpentine belt...YES because it will throw the whole belt, so no power steering, water pump, alternator, etc.

2.) shouldn't be that hard...couple hour job.