Driving with no power steering fluid, is that ok???

[Markjr]

Im buying a 1997 sr5 4runner now there is a power steering leak, i would be driving it home (1 1/2 highway) now would this burn out my power steering pump not having any fluid running through it? or should i be fine, i would be stopping ever once in a while to pour fluid in just to make sure. So ya thanks to anyone who can help.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Im buying a 1997 sr5 4runner now there is a power steering leak, i would be driving it home (1 1/2 highway) now would this burn out my power steering pump not having any fluid running through it? or should i be fine, i would be stopping ever once in a while to pour fluid in just to make sure. So ya thanks to anyone who can help.

It's likely to do serious damage.

 

[juiceboxer]

I wouldn't suggest running it without fluid. On the other hand you could just remove the belt from the pump and drive it home without power steering.

 

[Markjr]

ok thank you, i wasnt sure if the timing belt ran the power steering im assuming it doesnt so do you know what belt it would be, would i need to take all the belts off or is it the first one and what tools i would need to peplace it? do you know? well thanks for your help so far. I so wish i had the "haynes repair manual" for this

 

[Jeff Kleb]

ok thank you, i wasnt sure if the timing belt ran the power steering im assuming it doesnt so do you know what belt it would be, would i need to take all the belts off or is it the first one and what tools i would need to peplace it? do you know? well thanks for your help so far. I so wish i had the "haynes repair manual" for this

The "timing belt" will be inside the front cover of the engine - and not visible to the naked eye (LOL!). That is what keeps your camshaft and valves in syncronization with your crankshaft (pistons). You seldom need to replace or mess with it, and many cars nowadays use timing chains that normally last the life of the engine.

The power steering pump should be operated by an accessory belt (or we from the old school refer to as a fanbelt). It may be possible for you to remove it just from the power steering pump in some vehicles, but not in others; particularly if you have a serpentine belt that runs the alternator, p/s pump, A/C compressor, etc., etc.

If you have a serpentine belt, you are not likely going to be able to 'bypass' just the p/s pump. If this is the case, just buy some fluid and keep adding it until you can get it fixed properly.

It should be easy to tell what type of setup you have simply by looking at it with the hood open. Good luck!

:fro:

 

[Markjr]

ok thank you for your help