I need guidance.
I do NOT know how to fix ANYTHING. I'm never going to try to learn.
I'm in search of guidance to make sure that I understand my problem and don't overpay for repairs.
On Wednesday, 3/11 I went to Midas and got an oil change.
On Friday, 3/13, while driving about 120 miles away from home.....my car began to pull to the right.
I couldn't easily steer the car. I pulled off the road and put some power steering fluid in the car.
I started driving again....and again...had the same problem.
I got off the highway and drove to a Walmart auto center.
There I was told that the power steering pump had come off. The pulley was fine. The serpentine belt had come off but wasn't broken.
I paid to have the car towed from Lima, Ohio to Cincinnati, Ohio !!! $428
I bought parts on Amazon, but the power steering pump ended up being incompatible with my vehicle. $75
I ended up buying a power steering pump from Smythe Auto parts. $215
Eventually, I get a new power steering pump and had it replaced by a mechanic whom I've used before. $249
When I picked up my car...the mechanic told me that I had no power steering. He told me that the pump was fine and he thought that the problem was in the rack.
He said there might be an air pocket inside somewhere and it might come out while steering the car but he couldn't be sure. He did recommend that I use a higher quality power steering fluid in the future.
I can drive it, but its tough to steer.
The shop closed today because of the COVID-19 quarantine here in Ohio.
So....I'm not sure where to go from here.
I have a 2004 A4 Quattro V6 with about 180K miles.
There are no major problems which I'm aware of.
I love the car. My wife hates the car.
I'm self-employed and don't want to take on a new car, car payment.
Not sure...if the problem might lie elsewhere. Not sure how much a repair should cost.
Looking for guidance, Audi Nation
Again, I know nothing about fixing cars.