On a vehicle with power steering, what happens when the power steering goes out while driving? Obviously, it's best to repair the failing power steering component before this happens.
Does steering simply become more difficult, or does the vehicle become nearly impossible to control?
Power steering is designed to assist mechanical steering via hydraulic pressure supplied by the power steering pump. If your power steering goes out the orientation of the tires can still physically be controlled by the position of the steering wheel, but it will require much more physical force to operate.
To compensate for loss of zero to low speed turning ability, anticipate what direction you will want to move next and point the wheels that way while you are still rolling. Now when you shift from R back to D, for example, to finish backing out of your driveway there is no problem.
