Pontiac Repair: power steering, engine compartment, snow ice

Question
Hi I backed over a rather large piece of hard snow/ice and couldn't remove it from under my car so I drove with it under there for about 1 mile until it fell off. About two hours and 15 miles later my car started to smoke and I saw fluid on the ground I now have no power steering. I think I might have broke a hose. The car has the variable assistance power steering system and the alternator cooling duct. The car is a Pontiac 97 Grand Am,GT,6cly.If it is the hoses is this an easy repair or will I need to take it to a garage? I have some experience in car repair but not alot. I hope its not the pump that was damaged. Thank you Sherry

Answer
Hi Sherry.
This must have the GT package? If so it has may have a power steering cooler which is part of the return line and that is under the car on the right side up against the floor board. The other power steering lines are tucked up in the engine compartment so running over something wouldn't damage those. So my guess is it's the cooler that is broken. Now did it do any damge to the p/s pump? depends on how long you drove it like that. They need lubrication and if it was run for a long time without oil it more then likley damaged the pump. I don't know if the cooler is available from any aftermarket parts comapnies AKA NAPA,CarQuest It may be a dealer only part. Good luck :)