Power steering goes out
 

Hello, i own a 2004 saab 9 3 aero. sometime when i drive the power steering goes out for no apperant reason. so far its happened twice. when i turn the car off and then back on its fine. its very hard to turn the wheel when this happens, but it doesnt completely lock up. what can be the problem and how can i fix it. has anyone ever came accross this problem. thanks

Is the fluid level ok in the reservoir? If it is I think your serpentine belt is slipping. Either the PS pump is locking up or the belt is slipping. Can you smell any burning from the engine compartment when it happens? Any griding or whistling noises?

The fluid level is ok. i dont smell anything from the engine after driving it. it does sound like there might be an air leak or vaccum leak somewhere possibly. how much would it be to replace a serpentine belt? thanks for your help

check and see if PS hoses are leaking. The belt is a rather cheap replacement.

My car doesnt leek anything, i checked when i pullled out of my normal parking spot. do you think i should do the surpentein belt myself or just give it to a shop. do u think there can be anything else that can cause this. my car did it again today.

well I'd at least take the belt off and inspect it for burn spots. If it's doing what I said it could be doing than you'll see marks on the belt.