My husband was driving he heard a noise like a dragging noise and now it’s really hard for him to steer the car left or right like he has to steer really hard. My father in law is a mechanic but in another state and all the mechanic shops closed at 5. My father in law isn’t sure if its the power steering pump or rack and pinion he said to try the pump 1st and go from there but he didn’t seem confident lol. Is their any other way can tell for sure before we waste money?
Sounds like a power steering fluid leak. Dump some in the reservoir and see if it drips, then start the car and see if it drips.
Check drive belts?
If there’s no leak then depending if the fluid hasn’t been changed in awhile that could lead to debris and dirt buildup that is causing the fluid to become more thick. Just put some of the fluid on a paper towel and look at the color, should be somewhat clear and have an amber/pinkish hue to it and not brown/black.
While the vehicle is running, open the power steering fluid reservoir and see if the fluid is flowing, if it is standing still and not moving then your pump went out.
I’d be more concerned if it’s easier to steer up amd down.
Not a mechanic, but it couldn’t hurt to check your power steering fluid. If it gets low it can make steering difficult and make a lot of noise. It’s usually quite easy to check