Steering Woes (pulsing, throbbing)

[2ean]

I ignored a slight whine when I'd turn the wheel even slightly and it seems to have bit me in the ass.
Turned the car on, heard a 'pop' of sorts and went to turn out of my parking spot, except it wouldn't. It wasn't smooth. Turning the wheel created this crazy throbbing/pulsing.
Felt unsafe so I couldn't limp it anywhere.

S50, no A/C, I believe it has a stock late model steering rack that is fairly new. No apparent leaks, as the reservoir is still full.

If it's a belt: I've been reading about two different sizes. Is this true? Which one's the right one?

If not: where should I begin?

[dsobering47]

Slight whine would probably be low on power steering fluid. Did you pop the hood? Thats usually where I begin...

Seriously, your power steering pump probably took a doo-doo

[2ean]

Ha! Yes, under the hood is step one. Lifting the car is step two.

P/S res didn't look low, but I guess the cheapest bet is a fluid bleed. I'll start there.

Is there any way to quickly bypass P/S so I can actually use my car?

[SmokeE30]

You could pop the power steering belt off but I would really inspect the steering shaft between the firewall and the steering rack for binding/play

[dsobering47]

Steering column wont whine. Power steering belt is the same belt as alternator/water pump, so dont take that off.

Grow manly muscles and deal with it until its fixed. Check your steering rack and inner/outer tie rods (specifically the ball joints on the knuckles) for play. Put the front end up in the air and have someone jiggle the wheel while you inspect all moving components.

And dont take your belt off

[2ean]

Thanks friends. I took a look at it today.
Things got a little more interesting.

Weird throbbing and noise persists when I crank the wheel left, and it's just hard to crank it right.
Got the car rolling, depressed the clutch and it was PERFECT. No noise, no throbbing, nothing. Perhaps a little stiffer, like a manual rack/no P/S, but much better. Back into gear, and back come the problems.

Really, really weird.

[SmokeE30]

take belt off and see if noise goes away, you can run motor without the water pump and alt ect. for a short period of time to diagnosis it.