How long can I drive w/o power steering?

[EddyB33]

I have an old(91) Dodge Caravan that the power steering just went out on. It may be a couple of things, but I think it might just be the sign that I need a new vehicle. I would hate to spend over $300 for a repair when I'll be getting a newer vehicle soon. Aside from the fact that it is hard to turn, what will happen if I dont fix it, and how long do I have? I need it to tow a small trailer(500 lbs.) a small distance for maybe a week. Do I have that long? Excuse my ignorance, I know its seriious, but just HOW serious? Thanks Eddy

[curtis73]

Not too serious. If its because the belt broke or came off, it won't hurt a thing to drive it for a while. If the pump died, the worst that will probably happen is that it will eventually seize and throw the belt possibly taking another accessory with it. If the pump is dying it may also be sending little shards of worn metal into the system, but a comprehensive flush will help get those out once you finally fix it.

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by EddyB33

I have an old(91) Dodge Caravan that the power steering just went out on. It may be a couple of things, but I think it might just be the sign that I need a new vehicle. I would hate to spend over $300 for a repair when I'll be getting a newer vehicle soon. Aside from the fact that it is hard to turn, what will happen if I dont fix it, and how long do I have? I need it to tow a small trailer(500 lbs.) a small distance for maybe a week. Do I have that long? Excuse my ignorance, I know its seriious, but just HOW serious? Thanks Eddy

Hello

Did you check the fluid level?

Dan

[abaird]

If it is the pump which it most likely is, if its not just a belt or low fluid, you should be able to get a new(rebuilt) one for next to nothing for that van.

[dave92cherokee]

Only problem with buying a new pump is that the fluid would have to be drained and the lines disconnected resulting in air in the lines and it's a bitch to get air out of the power steering lines. If you're planning on getting a newer vehicle soon (like within the next couple of weeks) then drive it as it should last that long just be very careful as anything is possible besides it just being hard to steer.

[beef_bourito]

there's not much of a risk other than it'll be hard to turn and tha could be dangerous if you need to turn hard to avoid an accident. if it was me, i'd get it replaced, or replace it myself, with a rebuilt one.

[TheSilentChamber]

I prefer manual steering, but I'm strange like that. Used to have a school bus (converted to a campter) that was manual steering... was better than going to the gym.

[beef_bourito]

i dont mind it either, but there's a difference between manual steering and having power steering that doesn't work. my sis' civic has no power steering and it's fine, but i drove a crown vic with no drive belt, and it was hard as hell to get it to turn at low speed, way harder than the civy

[EddyB33]

Thanks everyone, but I talked with several mechanics and they told me the steering could lock up eventually( but no way to tell) and I wouldnt be able to turn at all. Are you people trying to kill me and my family? I wonder if I could sue the moderateor for negligence? Am I wrong? Eddy

[v10_viper]

Originally Posted by EddyB33

I wonder if I could sue the moderateor for negligence? Am I wrong? Eddy

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! I fucking hope that was a joke, because that's just retarded. And if it isn't a joke, then well...

I'm sorry but you are really stupid for not just having the pump replaced. YOU'RE the one endangering your family's lifes, your's, as well as other people on the road. What happens when you need to swerve quickly to miss something, somebody, then what happens, you hit them?


You could always drive on it for two weeks and see what happens though, in fact, take my suggestion, then when something happens, SUE ME.

[EddyB33]

hey viper, I wrote in to see if it is serious and I was told "no, not too serious" sounds to me like someone else is the "retarded" one. Oh by the way, my son has Down Syndrome. I wrote in looking for advice while my van was at the shop waiting to find out what I would do. freakin ahole

[EddyB33]

the hoses needed to be replaced anyway, not the pump. I didnt KNOW what was wrong when I initially wrote in. EddyB

[v10_viper]

Well you come in here asking people about a problem, and then you mention sueing members if something bad happens?? WTH?

Get that shit replaced and stop endangering lives.

Oh, btw, my dog has down syndrome too, but it's no reason for me to be stupid.

[TheSilentChamber]

Eventually any moving part can lock up. You want real world advice or advice from the mechanic trying to make his boat payment on time and your sitting infront of him with a broke car?