I haven't followed this thread too closely but one thing intrigues me:

What lubricates the PS pump if no fluid is flowing??
This is of course assuming the belt is still connected.

I would think the bearings in the pump would eventually seize.

Any thoughts?

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Mike Collum
Sent: Friday, July 06, 2007 8:19 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Driving with no Power Steering

For those long trips, John, should you break an alternator/waterpump
belt, you can use the power steering belt in a pinch.  As you know, you
can get along without power steering but not without a waterpump.

Mike

John Rodgers 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
>>
>>
>