Auto Parts: flasher, steering colum, buick regal

Question
QUESTION: the turn signal and flasher don't work should i replace the flasher or is it in the steering colum.also when i try to feel the flasher under the dash it will click when i move the turn signal handle.

ANSWER:      Many cars use a flasher that has both the four-way and the turn signal in one unit.  If moving the turn signal lever causes a sensation of a click in the flasher, and the indicator on the dash comes on, then the flasher is probably bad.  Get someone to look at the car from the outside while you move the lever.  When the dash indicator is on, the outside bulbs should light also.  If they don't, then they might be the problem.  If the outside lights appear to be working, I would replace the flasher.  The chances of there being something wrong inside of the column are very remote.

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QUESTION: i have a 96 buick regal there seem to be antifreeze coming from the belt side of the engine and a loud whinning sound,could it be the water pump if so will i have to replace the timing belt to get to the water pump.

Answer
    There is no timing belt on the 96 Regal, whether you have 3.1 or a 3.8.  There is a gigundous serpentine belt which drives the water pump and everything else.  Your description of the leak makes me think that it probably is the water pump that is leaking.  A car this old should have needed a new pump by now, so it' not a big deal.  The pump is cheap and the repair is fairly easy to do.  Replace the belt while you're at it, it should be worn out as well.  Take the opportunity to give the whole front of the engine a good looking over.  Check for other leaks, worn idler bearings, etc.