The belt is removed when you do this.  I have been driving my Westy Syncro for three years this way, someday when I have spare time(ha ha), I will reseal or replace the leaking pump until then no need for power steering.

Mark in AK

----- Original Message -----
From: pdooley <psdooley@VERIZON.NET>
Date: Friday, July 6, 2007 3:47 pm
Subject: Re: Driving with no Power Steering
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM

> 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
> >>
> >>
> >
>