Power steering pump is going out. I've read a lot on the issue and I am going to replace it. Just wondering if I drive it with a non working pump what are the potential damages that can happen to the other steering components. Do I need to stop driving it or can I drive it until I can get the pump fixed. It just drives like my old Honda CRX that did not have power steering.

 

Well, it's not the best idea to drive it without the pump, at least, not for an extended period of time. It could damage the rack/seals in the long run. I'm not saying that it WILL cause problems, but it's a possibilty. I've drove my car a bit with no power steering (the pump was working, then would stop and then only start working 20 minutes later before dying completely). I mostly had to do highway, so it wasn't that bad. If it's a matter of a week or two, I'd say you should be ok, but don't let it go for too long. I don't know how your CRX was steering, but my Mini was a total pita at slow speed, a lot more than my last non-power steering car.

 

That is what I was thinking. The pump works in the morining but after about 10 miles it stops then if I let it sit while at work it will work for anoter 10 or so miles. so the seals are still getting lubed about half of my drive. I plan on fixing it as soon as I can but not sure when that will be. I found a few rebuilders that have a lifetime warranty on their rebuilt pumps. At least my fan still works on less expense.

 

[QUOTE=.........I don't know how your CRX was steering, but my Mini was a total pita at slow speed, a lot more than my last non-power steering car.[/QUOTE]

Man, I had a '69 Dodge, with both manual steering and manual brakes. talk about a b*tch driving!!! every day I came home, it felt like I bulldogged that mother...

 

Had a 89 CRX, and a 88 civic...know what you are saying...
Short term, I think NO PS is OK...
Longer term, I might worry about the U-Joints in the steering column...
The fix is not too bad a DIY...
Just be sure to use the RIGHT PS FLUID....or you might need to replace the whole steering rack...regular PS fluid/tranny fluid is incompatible with the seals....

 

Going to order parts tomorrow. I read the R and R write up on pelican.com seems pretty straight forward. Ill tackle it on my next day off

 

Also check the ps cooling fan....they often fail due to grit/grime...water, erc...the bearings get contaminated, and it will not spin freely. About a $150 part...helps to protect tge investment in the new ps pump...they are USUALLY bad if the pump has failed...so check it at oil changes too!!
The ps fluid, petrosin, is avalable at mini and most vw dealers..just make sure you have the right stuff, it is not too common, but napa sometimes has it too....

 

Thanks, Ordered the pump today from BBA Remanufacturing $390 including shipping and a lifetime warranty as long as I own the car. O'rileys had the fluid in stock and will be my project this weekend. I check the fan yesterday and was working. I wish I still had access to a lift, I hate having to work on the ground. Pelican.com has a great write up with pictures on how to change the pump. Hopefully all goes as planed and it take only twice the time I think it will.