Power steering "delete" with a leaking rack

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  • r3vRob
    Grease Monkey
    • Aug 2011
    • 349

    #1

    Power steering "delete" with a leaking rack

    1984 318i (M10)

    Long story short, my rack is leaking (driver side boot) and I got a second opinion/confirmation from local mechanic.

    I don't currently have the funds to replace/rebuild nor do I have the tools to do it myself unfortunately. As I just moved to San Diego and have little to no tools. Most importantly a jack and stands.

    My question, can I remove the power steering belt and continue to drive? Yes I know it will be harder, I am more concerned with the rack reaching the point of not being able to drive it all.

    Now before I get yelled out for not searching, I've been searching all morning on multiple threads on multiple forums. The issue is I keep finding vague and conflicting answers from outdated posts.

    Can someone PLEASE give me a quick yes or no? Can I remove the power steering belt and drive with out worry?

    I really appreciate the help in advance.
    sigpic
  • glnr13
    E30 Fanatic
    • Oct 2011
    • 1334

    #2
    i had a similar problem but used a different solution. i installed a condor delete and put it on ramps. you could probably do it if you put the driver's side wheel up on a curb, pretty easy to get to.

    Did it stop the leak? technically yes, it is no longer leaking but most likely because there is less fluid circulatin.

    Is it comfortable or easy to drive? easy to drive, lame for parallel parking. i also have a smaller steering wheel so that doesn't help either.

    not the exacty answer you're looking for but hopefully that helps a little.
    sigpic

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    • estoguy
      E30 Enthusiast
      • May 2013
      • 1087

      #3
      Bottom line, yes, you can drive with no problems pulling the power steering pump belt. As stated above, low speed maneuvering will be harder, but certainly not impossible. Normal driving, no problems.
      Estoguy
      1986 BMW 325, Alpenweiss ~ "Elsa"

      Need a photographer, come visit my site: http://estoguy.wix.com/unique-perspectives

      Comment

      • benz-tech
        Grease Monkey
        • Jan 2011
        • 337

        #4
        Another tip: if you get all of the fluid out of the rack and lines, its much easier to turn.
        You say "Where are your other two cylinders?"
        I say "Where's your other camshaft?"
        Frankenmotor: if an M42, M44, M20, S50, and S52 were to have a kid.

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        • r3vRob
          Grease Monkey
          • Aug 2011
          • 349

          #5
          Appreciate all the responses guys!
          sigpic

          Comment

          • Josh1254
            E30 Addict
            • Sep 2013
            • 426

            #6
            If you want to do it right and replace the rack...Give me $30 for a used rack and help me take apart my parts car on a Saturday or something. You can change the rack out using my tools at my place. Assuming you are mechanically inclined to do that? Regardless its not that hard.

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