So im just driving casually then realized my steering locked up, looked at my dash and the battery light was on. It went off and the steering freed up but started making a loud sqeak like a belt slipping so I pulled over popped the hood and coolant was leaking like crazy!! No clue what happed. Im wanting to think water pump because it looks kind like the pully coming off the waterpump to the fan is somewhat crooked and the belt slid to the lip of the pully.

 

Here's what you need to do:

1. Clean off the whole engine bay, brake clean, pressure wash, whatever you gotta use, and then blow dry as best you can with compressed air.

2. re-fill the coolant reservior with coolant (or water, cheap for the time being as long as it isn't going to freeze).

3. Start her back up and watch what happens around the water pump, see if you can pinpoint the leak. (or find a coolant system pressure tester and do it that way).

I think you're pretty spot on with thinking it's the water pump. sounds like the outer seal or the shaft took a dump on ya.

As for your battery light coming on and steering wheel locking up; I think your battery light is a result of the belt slipping and the alternator just not spinning fast enough to create the needed energy. However.... The steering wheel shouldn't have locked unless they key was turned to the "off" or "accessory" position, there is no solenoid or motor automatically lock the wheel

 

Ya your right with the alternator thats what I was just thinking, I dont think it actually locked maybe just tightend up probably due to slipping belt too. Thanks

 

Yea a slipping belt would cause you to loose power steering. A lot of people don't realize how much weight is up there in the nose and it's almost impossible to steer without power steering, even while moving!

 

His steering didnt lock up... Power steering pump did not turn, which makes it feel like the steering locked up.

 

Ya I realized i said it locked up but i corrected myself in the second post.

 

If the water pump pully is out of line I wouldn't recomend starting it, unless you want to buy a radiator while you're at it.

 

I wouldn't fire it up, sounds like a text book pump and life won't get better by running it. I did find a Motorcraft replacement online today for $274. I am looking to fix one myself.

 

274 for a water pump? eeesh.

 

Just did a water pump replacement a couple of months ago. Bought mine at Advanced for around $137.00. GMB brand, all seems to be just fine!