Eliminate Power Steering?

Could a guy eliminate the power steering pump on a '97 with a 5.7 vortec? Mine is howling and I can't get it fixed for a couple more weeks. Is there a shorter serpentine belt to bypass the power steering pump?

Level ok?

Are there air bubbles in the reservoir of the pump(gives it a milky appearance)?

Are you losing fluid?

I wouldn't try it.....it is dangerous to drive, at low speeds, if you have to make an evasive move.....

Be prepared to ruin the steering gear by operating it without lube.

OTOH, if the "howling" pump is tossing debris into the fluid, the steering gear is already shot.

When you do the repairs, be sure to install a PS filter in the return hose.

Shurkey, I have never heard of putting a filter on the return line.....

However, when replacing the pump, he should replace all the fluid in the system....by plugging return inlet in reservoir, and having the return line open ended into a container, and by filling the reservoir at the same time, while the engine runs.........

ABSOLUTELY flush the PS fluid!

Once the fluid is flushed, install a filter to take care of any remaining bits.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/PNB351004

https://media.napaonline.com/is/image/GenuinePartsCompany/NWMDC?$Product=GenuinePartsCompany/1471439

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/PNB351002

https://media.napaonline.com/is/image/GenuinePartsCompany/NWMDC?$Product=GenuinePartsCompany/1327024

They're sold by the hose diameter they fit. ^^^ These fit 3/8 return hose. there's other styles, but they're all about the same deal.

Good to know!