Steering pump, Hydra-boost, or both?

[billjackson]

I have an 02 FWD automatic. While on cruise at 65 mph, I had a sudden loss of power steering and brake boost. Power steering fluid was leaking from the steering pump, although it was impossible to determine exactly where the leak was coming from. I made the 30 miles home and washed the engine compartment down so I could have a better look to determine what had failed. No lose or broken hoses, although the steering pump is empty. I suspect that the hydraulic brake boost discharged and forced the fluid out through the fill cap. Now the questions:

1. Would driving the 30 miles or so have damaged the steering pump? If so, is there a better replacement unit available (the factory unit seems to be over worked).

2. Is it really necessary to remove the brake lines from the master cylinder to get the boost unit out for replacement? Just seems like additional work to have to bleed the entire brake system.

3. Where is the best source for getting the necessary parts? Steering pump and hydra-boost unit.

If anyone's aware of specific threads that might be helpful, please point them out. I've searched until tired.

Thanks, Bill