Hi everyone,

Let me start by saying i am not a 'car person'. I put gas in it, drive
it and change the oil in it as needed -- you know, the basics. I have
no idea what things cost to repair, all i know is only expensive things
break on my car. haha

Anyway, yesterday it seems as though my power steering went out on my
car (a 2001 pt cruiser). The steering wheel was suddenly tight but the
car is still drivable. I tried filling my tires with air in hopes that
would help the problem but it didn't (that had previously resolved this
problem). I checked my fluids and they are fine too. In fact last week
I had my oil changed and all fluids checked and topped off.

I took my car to Midas today to have them take a look. They didn't have
time to work on my car today but some one came out to take a quick look
at things. He told me it appeared as though the belts were still on the
pump. (all i really heard was a cash register ringing up what is sure
to be a huge bill).
He asked me if I had heard any sqeauling while driving. I told him that
only once i had heard a low whine after this problem started. However,
I have not heard it since.
He told me it could also be the rack and pinion steering (am i spelling
that right?).
If it is either the PS pump or the R&P steering -- about how much do
either of those things cost?
I just want to prepare myself for the bill.
Any info would be really helpful. its all i can think about at the
moment; my money is so tight. I just need a number to prepare myself!

Thanks!
- Kelly