Power steering woes...

[Benaywood]

HI all.. I've been loving my old 98LS so much lately, can't stop singing it's praises but today, it has let me down ..  No warning but when started her up today, I thought I had a flat as the steering was so heavy, but checked the tires and all in order. Wrestled her in to a parking space, no odd noises, waring lights, leaks or anything but just a big effort to move.  

It seems serious but wondered if anyone had experienced similar power steering 'outages' and how they got them fixed? I'm looking for good news stories,like you took it to Halfords and they fixed it for £20 but I'm bracing myself for a big bill..

 

[steve2006]

With no warning lights on it doesn’t sound like the belt has failed as it powers the alternator amongst others.

Have you checked the reservoir fluid level?

If all good above the favourite is the pump having failed.

[Benaywood]

Ah good point. I'll check in the morning -Thanks

[Tinonline]

Steve is go to here. 
I’ve an advisory on oil leak from my steering rack but so insignificant it just requires cleaning up…can’t detect fluid loss or loss of performance…yours does sound like pump and as Steve says you’d know if there’s a belt failure. Looks like pump. But do check aux pulleys and belts visually…ensure no oil leaks or belt contamination.