John,

 I recommend you get it fixed sooner than later.  I've been driving my syncro for months with the belt disconnected, and after 3-4 weeks of a very painful and weak right arm, I've been diagnosed with tennis elbow.  I don't play tennis and it may be just from casting heavy fishing lures in the surf, but I think driving the syncro with no power steering had a lot to do with it!

 Cheers, Anthony
 '89 Syncro GL (Hidalgo)

John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET> wrote: Thanks Volks!

I did it. Drove that sucker sans power steering! It does indeed work. No
I know if the system fails on a long trip or otherwise, all I need do is
remove the pump belt, and drive on. At speed on the open road I could
hardly tell any difference. Turning tight corners and parking was - as
everyone said - a challenge. but I did "git'ter done!"

Thanks again,

Regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

John Rodgers wrote:
> OK Gang,
>
> The Red Brick split the pressure hose back by the PS pump today. Spewed
> red all over the place.
>
> Question:  Can I drive it a while without the pump being connected-ie,
> the belt removed and no power assist for steering? It's going to take me
> a few days to get a replacement line since this is a special hose with
> banjo fittings on one end and and swedged fittings one the other. In
> other words - a somewhat special Vanagon part, one that our vendors
> carry, but even they can't work magic all of the time.
>
> So how about it. Can I drive it, and is there anything to watch out for,
> special concerns, etc, etc.
>
> Most of the driving I will be doing is Interstate highway driving -
> pretty straight with wide sweeping turns. My moonshine deliveries were
> made before the Fourth of July, in time for the celebration, so there
> will be no driving on winding, twisting mountain roads.
>
> Any thoughts?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Regards,
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 GL Driver
>
>

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