your car will become very difficult to steer. now that also could be that you need Power Steering fluid, so check your fluid levels first...add more if needed, if it is still hard to turn the wheel on your car (very stiff), and there is a whiring noise, it's probably time to change the power steering pump. check for a refurbished on first, brand new should be your last resort, especially if it's an older car.
You will need to remove the power steering pump belt in your 1997 Chevrolet Express. Remove the power steering pump hose. Remove the power steering pump retaining bolts. Reverse the process to install the new power steering pump.
This is two of the things I know that could be wrong. The power steering pump is either bad or there is no power steering fluid in the pump causing it to have steering problems. Be sure to check the fluid level in the power steering pump.
I'll be civilized and answer this. The power steering pump is a hydraulic pump that needs fluid to pump so it can move the power steering gear. Simpler said no fluid no power steering. Hope you are not offended.
I need more information
A power steering pumps as much as the power steering pump can pump.
Steering becomes much harder.
Remove the power steering pump hose. Remove the power steering pump belt. Remove the power steering pump retaining bolts. The power steering pump will come off.
The squealing could be that you need to add power steering fluid. Also you should check the belt that operates the power steering pump, if bad replace it. If the power steering pump is full and the belt is ok, then you may need to replace the power steering pump.
Secure the power steering pump with the retaining bolts. Attach the power steering hose to the power steering pump. Put the belt on to the power steering pump. Fill the power steering system with fluid.
extremely hard to turn the steering wheel
Remove the belt for am your power steering pump. Remove the power steering pump hose. Remove the power steering pump retaining bolts. Reverse the process to install your new power steering pump.
Drain the fluid from the power steering pump. Remove the power steering hose. Remove the wiring harness from the power steering pump. Remove the power steering pump retaining bolts. Reverse the process to install the new power steering pump.