Got to my car after work tonight at midnight. Turn the car on, and bam, sounds like a ton of stuff snapped under the hood. Now the steering wheel won't turn either way. It's weird since the car sounds like it's running fine. About four years ago I had I think it was one of the bands replaced since my car was making a squeeling noise from the front right. On the way to work I noticed that noise faintly, but didn't think much of it. Could it be that same problem or am I looking at something worse?

Currently waiting for AAA and I don't want to get run over by a mechanic tomorrow for big bucks. Thanks you guys are great!
Pete

 

I am being told it was alternator pulley, but as a result need new alternator (reliance brand $196)... Alt belt and tension assembly. Labor $180 total about $550. Does this seem right to need new alternator and not just the belt??

 

I think it sound right. The belt drives your power steering so if its not turning due to seized pulley you will not have power steering. The belt itself is probably fine. But when you change the alt. might as well change the belt. hope this helps.

 

It did ... thank you guys!