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Safe to disable power steering?
The power steering pump on my Mazda mx-6 (1997, if it matters) is going. I can get a good used one, and I have a friends that's a reliable shade tree mechanic who can put it on for me, but to be honest, I prefer manual. I know, it's weird right? But I do.
My question is, can I disable the power steering without messing up my rack and pistons? I get conflicting answers from Googling and Binging, and I was just wondering if I should nurse my pump for another 3 weeks till I can replace it, or just disable it.
I won't see my friend for a couple of days, and the pump I'm looking at might be sold by then. Any opinions are welcome.
I was 95% sure the answer would be replace it-and it's really not going to cost that much-especially when compared to converting it. And I can always look for manual when I get a new one one in 5 or 6 years. Thanks for the responses.
3 Answers
- 8 years ago
Does this car have a separate belt just for the power steering or is the belt also driving something else? If it is a separate belt you can always remove it and see how it drives. If it is not a separate belt you would probably have to install an idler pulley in its place and that may turn into more of a hassle than it would be worth.
Something else you need to think about, if this car only has a single belt driving everything and your pump locks up then you are stranded until you can get it fixed.
- Anonymous8 years ago
you cannot just disable it. it is belt driven and you would have to remove the belt in order for power steering pump to stop pumping. disabling it will make the car extremely difficult to turn, not impossible but very hard. your rack and pinion can get damaged because power steering fluid lubricates it by circulating through it. so basically don't screw around with it. the part is cheap and if your friend can put it in for you then there should not be any other questions.
