Your engine isn't listed as an "Interfering" one where I checked. An "Interfering" engine doesn't have clearance if the timing belt is broken, and very serious damage results if the timing belt breaks. The fact you were able to get home 2 miles also makes this most likely.
http://www.aa1car.com/library/timing_bel...
Also, as Jen and Star Logan note, this isn't rocket science to replace. A serpentine belt does also drive the water pump,
To replace, you will need:
Socket wrench or crescent wrench set: I'm betting you'll need only the 9/16" and 5/8" wrenches.
You will want a "breaker bar", a long rod, but you can use anything stiff and long (wood bar) to move the idler wheel to allow you to slip the belt on.
(obviously) a new belt.
First, go to your happy place. Working on cars is always madding if you have normal sized hands.
Next, remove the old belt parts, and inspect for any further damage (and there might be some, look at the radiator and any wires in or near the area of the belt.)
Identify the idler wheel for the belt, use a bar or blocking to move it so that the belt path is shorter.
Slip the belt on, being sure to put the grooved side (if there is one) on the pulleys with grooves.
Release the spring loaded idler, check that you cannot deflect the belt with your fingers alone more than about an 1/8" of an inch.
Remember that you will want to replace this belt in another 4 years or 75000 miles. That's about 2/3rd's of the useful life, but who wants to walk?
Put on another belt. You should be good. You won't know until you do that. The coolant boiling would be normal for a water pump that was not rotating. But at least the coolant is in there. Leave the rad cap on and allow it to cool down 5 to 8 hours(basically overnight) Then you can check coolant levels and add if you need more. Chances are you can drive it again.
When the belt broke and you felt the power steering quit you should have shut the motor off. You just overheated the motor. Check the pulleys and replace the belt.
It sounds like you just need a new belt. The fluid container was probably hot because the coolant was not circulating. The belt also contributes to your power steering, your alternator (battery charger), etc... I know this because my Dad has fixed my our cars since I was a baby, and the belt is one thing I've learned about. As for the cost? You would need to ask a mechanic.
Agree, belt only runs accessories. As long as you didn't run it hot enough to ruin a head gasket or crack a head, new belt, check each pulley/tensioner for proper operation, then install belt. Done.
You may be confusing your accessroy drive belt with a timing belt/chain, which is not what you had fail.
You may need to change the belt tensioner ad well as the belt. Do not drive it until you get it fixed. BTW I sold my 99 Tahoe today. Good vehicle.
start by spinning all of the pulleys aside from the harmonic balancer. if any will not turn, that is the issue. they can fail due to age. if all spin fairly easily, it is time to have the belt replaced. the fact that you over heated is related to the fact that coolant was not circulated in the block with a broken belt.
Replace the belt
You need to get a new belt put on. Some of those type of belts run $100.00 +
No, the belt is like $35-$40 bucks and you should be able to put it on yourself.
I have a '99 chevy tahoe and I was driving home. I was like 2 miles away from home when my power steering shut off. I continued and got home. I checked the engine and the belt snapped and the engine fluid container sounded like it had boiling water.
What should I do? Is this an expensive fix?
As long as you did not overheat, you can just replace the belt. It is pretty easy to do yourself.
