Steering Column Repair: 2002 silverado column, power steering fluid, leak check

Question
Hi my truck was recently stolen and then recovered by the police they broke the column and ignition so you can start it with a screwdriver it runs good but the power steering is not working and there is a growling sound from under the hood, i was wondering if this was link to my column being broken or its just a pump gone bad

Answer
Hi Mark:

Sorry about your truck.
It sounds like you may just be out of power steering fluid.  These models have a history of the PS cooler developing a slow leak.  Check the PS fluid reservoir. if you are low, fill it and then see if you are leaking fluid anywhere.  If it's not low or you see no leaks, then I would condemn the pump.

Good luck
Doug