Hi All,

In an effort to save money my wife and I have decided to keep my car alive for at least another 2 - 3 years as basic transportation. I'm well past the point of caring about cosmetics, comfort, or performance. It just needs to get me from A - B safely without a catastrophic failure.

It is currently having it's second timing belt service done at 144K. While in service I have been made aware that the power steering rack is leaking and the upper control arms are shot.

I have known that the PS has had issues for the last two years. Usually in the winter I get the whale noise and the occasional fluid drips. Topping off the fluid usually takes care of this and when the weather gets warm, I don't notice anything amiss.

About 5 years ago I was told that the control arms are looking worn and might need replacement. The only symptom I associate with this is a clicking at the wheel when its turned at full lock on either end. I had originally this was an issue on the way the belt is connected to the PS pump due to the Supercharger setup. Otherwise the car seems to handle fine even when driven spiritedly.

The cost on servicing these components seem high though not unreasonable. The timing is not great financially for me though.

What are your thoughts on living with this another 2-3 years? Are complete failures either of these components gonna leave me stranded?