Driving without power steering - United Bimmer Community

**talus22** · 06-15-2007, 11:10 AM

Is it ok to drive my 88 325 without any power steering fluid in the pump...
It is leaking heavily and I am getting rid of it soon for a new car but I was wondering is there any danger of the steering seizing up or anything like that?

**stevo** · 06-15-2007, 11:20 AM

it will make the steering very heavy and consequently will make the car difficult to handle especially at low speeds, you could be putting yourself and other road users at risk, in answer to your question, no its not ok but its entirely up to you.

craig · 06-15-2007, 12:23 PM

yeah dont worry about it, my truck has no power steering and i can turn just fine. its just that you will get a mild workout turning from a stop.

**elsabor67** · 06-15-2007, 12:28 PM

I wouldn't do it. You might damage more than what you think and also take the risk of an accident since the responsiveness is not there.

drz · 06-15-2007, 01:01 PM

Just top off the fluid reservoir. Cheap, safe, and effective. Without fluid in the system, you will ruin the pump, which will cost a lot more to fix than it will to top off the fluid frequently.

Edit: to properly top off the system, first fill the reservoir to the fill lline, then go back in teh car and turn the wheel lock to lock. Then check the reservoir again and add fluid as necessary. Turn the car on, turn the wheel from lock to lock, then turn off and check level again. Repeat until level in reservoir remains at the fill line after turning the wheel from lock to lock.

**Red_Rocket** · 06-29-2007, 08:17 PM

there is nothing wrong with driving around with power steering, you are not a danger to anyone....shit, tons of people on the road don't have power steering as an option on their cars....

I wouldn't leave the belt on there if there is no fluid in the pump, you can ruin it. Just adjust the tension on it and just slip it off, you might have to take the AC belt off first though....not hard to do at all