No more power steering???

So me and my buddy take a midnight run to Mcdonalds and as I make the turn to go into the parking lot I loose my power steering. No noises no smells no lights on the dash no shakes no nothing just gone. I took a look under the car and saw no fluids dripping anywhere and I checked the power steering fluid level and all is fine. I'm gonna take another look at it when it's light out. Is there anything thats a common problem on these bbody wagons?? Mine does have 212,000,000 on it so she's been worn but also properly maintained. I'm planning on raking it to a shop tomorrow. Please help!! I'm lost on this one??? I'm hoping it's not gonna be a costly repair because I'm starting classes in a couple days.

It's a 1994 RMW

It sounds like the pump went out/or is going out.

That said, check your belt. Be sure it's not slipping around the pulley, and it is functioning properly. Which leads to checking the pulley as well.

With the variable assist option that year, it is possible that if you have it, it could be related to that as well (I don't have the knowledge for this!).

1. Check your belt
2. If you fluid and belt are OK it is likely your pump.

If you are taking it to a shop, it will be fairly costly, no matter what the problem. It could be the pump or the steering box. Either is about the same difficulty to replace. You can rent the tools from Autozone, and do the work yourself. It will cost you about the same to replace both yourself, as it will to have a garage do either. You need a basic socket set in Metric and SAE, fitting wrenches, a pulley removal/install tool, and a pitman arm puller (a breaker bar for removing and installing the pitman arm is also a necessity, or an electric or pneumatic impact wrench...big nut special size socket as well).

If you choose to replace the steering box, make sure the steering is centered before starting, and that the "new" box is centered when installing it. Your clockspring can be damaged if you do not keep it in the same position as originally installed.

Check your belt tensioner before doing anything. If the belt is too loose (stretched too far) or the tensioner is worn out it may be the culprit, and that would be a cheap and easy fix.

Being a RMW it could also be the variable steering assist, if it was equipped with it. My Caddy's is failing and at times loses power steering (usually at low speed). Take a look behind the PS pump for an electrical connector, should be red if it has it. Unplug it and see if anything changes.

Thanks guys for all the responses!

Did OCCs also have the steering assist? Sometimes when it's Florida cold (40-50s) when I first start up the initial turn as I back up I have no power steering then by the end of the turn when I stop it starts working. Only when chilly out though.

seen steering act like that is was belt slip, when the water pump was leaking, showed up in the steering the first indicator something was wrong anti freeze is slick.

Sprocket wrote:

Did OCCs also have the steering assist?  Sometimes when it's Florida cold (40-50s) when I first start up the initial turn as I back up I have no power steering then by the end of the turn when I stop it starts working.  Only when chilly out though.

Not sure, my 92 had a sensor on the pressure line, but that might kick the RPMs up under full lock