Pop sound no power steering

The first thing you need to check is if your belt is still on. Is there any sign of power steering fluid on the ground? Did a check engine light come on?

The most important thing is your safety. If you do not feel the car is safe to drive then please do not. Your insurance may offer one free towing.

The belt that drives the power steering also drives the AC. So unless you were running the AC this time of year or turned it on that would be an indication. The best way is to look. I attached a picture of the belt and the water pump is number two and six depending on if you have AC.

If there is no leak then it may not be a blown hose. Another possibility with the miles you have is internal failure of the rack-n-pinion. I attached a picture showing it is number six.

I hope that helps, without a visual I am only guessing. I also do not want to be doom and gloom, but those are the possibilities based on what you have said.

Why no heater? I know it is easier said, but please try not to worry. I am trying to provide you with general information so when you are talking to your mechanic you will have an idea. If things do not make sense after your discussion, feel free to get back with us. Just do not approve to fix something unless you understand and you trust the mechanic you take your car to. Also, if you have a trusted friend that has an understanding with vehicles, bring them. Again, easier said than done, but try not to worry. No reason to stay up all night on something you do not know. First let's find out what it is. Once that is known a plan can be made to move forward.

Oh. Well Mary, I of course do not know what your financial situation is. Your car does have a large number of miles on it. I am not saying you need to run out and purchase one, but look at your overall maintenance cost over the last year or so. What is the condition of the car, tires, will you need brakes, etc. So again, no need to panic, but at least keep that as an option to consider if your maintenance cost are more than a car payment. Also, you do not want to break down somewhere. This is not a scare it is looking at the situation while you have options and a little time to think about it. Lets say it is something expensive. Then you need to weigh the cost of past repairs, this one, possible future ones and see if you are better putting that money into another vehicle. If it is something inexpensive then okay, you have more time. But at least consider the idea. 195,000 miles shows you have a good car and it has taken you many miles, but do not avoid it may be getting tired either.

Desert? Overseas or stateside?

Well Mary, who is to say it did not work out? Staying there when it was not right would be the bad. Thomas Edison was asked about the thousands of times his attempt at making the light bulb, did it bother him on the lack of results. He quickly replied with have great results. Thousands of ways not to make it. So it did not work better to find out now.

If the AC was working same belt drives the power steering. The pump could be out of fluid even though you said no leak, it could be very low. If the belt is making noise it could be slipping due to the belt tensioner, that would not be too expensive.

Let me know what you find out. Have a great night!

Hello Mary - was checking back with you to see what you found out on your vehicle and see if you are doing okay with it.