What are symptoms of bad rack & pinion & power steer

[quote:2ba29954c1="allaboutbowwow"]Toyota Camry LE 1999 130,000K 4cyl 2.2 What are the symptoms of the need to replace the rack & pinion and/or power steering pump vs replacing the pump alone? I'm experiencing intermittant difficulty steering and returniing steering wheel back to straight position left or right. Had a mechanic friend (not boyfriend) test drive only and he barely felt problem (naturally!). I was with him, so I saw that he did not have the full experience that I do---some days worse than others. He suggested the rack & pinion/power steering pump might be the problem, but would only know if it actually went out. I'm a single mom and cannot afford such an overwhelming expense all at once. How long can I drive it like this? And how can I know for sure this is the problem in case I wanted to buy a part at a time at eAutopartstore, then have my friend do the repair? Your expert advice is appreciated very much. Thanks.[/quote:2ba29954c1]

HI THERE
ihave to say its rack &pinion
but you should have P/S fluid checked
have the belt s checked
some times not always fluid flush may help
as of how long no one can tell you will know
it will become very diff to steer one way or another
or will catch and loose quick more and more often when cold
good luck