Well, I've been having a problem with the LeSabre for a while, but it got a lot worse recently.

Basically, I've lost my power steering. First thought was P/* pump, but it'* not leaking... so it could very well be a failed pump, but there'* also a chance that it'* the rack & pinion. So the question goes like this:

Is there a good way to diagnose which of the two is causing the problem without simply throwing parts at it? I'd like to get it taken care of, as my wife barely has the muscle to drive it anymore, but don't want to just start swapping parts until something works.

Any tips out there for testing one or both of these components (on or off the vehicle) without replacement?

I'll guess the problem is in The Rack. That said, I also found this 2004 article. It really doesn't apply to your vehicle but it'* close.

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- A steering problem tied to injuries and accidents is forcing General Motors to recall 824,000 Buick, Oldsmobile, Chevrolet and Pontiac cars built in the late 1990s.
The models built between January 1996 and October 1997 with possible problems in the power-steering gear assembly are: the 1996-98 Buick Regal, 1996-97 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, 1997-98 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 1997-1998 Chevrolet Lumina, 1997-98 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 1997-98 Chevrolet Malibu, 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue and 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix.
"Most reports indicate the driver experienced an intermittent loss of power steering assist when making left turns, usually at low speeds," GM said in a statement.
The Detroit-based company will notify owners in early February; dealers will fix or replace the affected parts at no charge, GM said.