Pontiac Repair: Power steering., pontiac firebird, drive shaft

Question
Hello,
I have a 2000 Pontiac Firebird it is a 6 cyl. with upgrades to the engine. The
other day i was turning through a parking lot and noticed a clucking
noise, the noise continued, and then about a week later i started the car and
the power steering was gone. I checked the belt and it seems tight and the
pump is not leaking and the fluid is fine. I have no idea what to check next
and was wondering if you could help me with what you think is wrong.
      Thanks, Chris

Answer
Hi Chris:

well it can be a few things.first thing to check to see if if the pump drive shaft broke. take off the belt and pull on the pulley for the pump if the pulley comes out of the pump the shaft broke off inside the pump. if not either the pump is broken inside and it's not working at all of ther is a major leak inside the steering rack and the fluid is not going to where it should when you turn the wheel. Chances are the issue is more in the pump but you never know Murphy's law.. what you need to do id have a pressure tester put on this and see if indeed the pump is putting outm pressure and volume or not.. Good luck :)