I drive a 1998 Nissan Frontier pick-up truck. This morning the power steering belt broke on my way into work. My question is, besides the fact that its difficult to turn the steering wheel if my vehicle is moving slowly, will I risk more serious damage if I drive it about 1.5 miles to my local auto parts store?
AVERY
Comments
You can drive it, just don’t drive it far and keep an eye on the temperature guage. If the belt that broke also goes around the waterpump you may risk overheating. But that’s not likely in 1.5 miles.
No it won’t but be careful, damn hard to steer out of a situation.
If it’s JUST the power steering, You can
.
If it’s the serpentine belt that drives the water pump, alternator, and A/C, No you can’t.
yes its OK ……………………………dont let it get hot
If power steering pump is driven by a dedicated belt which I believe is the case on Frontier, there are no consecutive damages other than a possibility not to turn the wheel fast enough to avoid an accident. If it’s a serpentine belt, and it drives the water pump as well - you will immediately overheat the engine, and it will need to be replaced.
Don’t know if it’s legal though. Also, power steering fluid may leak from the reservoir when the steering wheel is turned and the pump is not running.
Make sure it`s only a short distance. with out the p steer pump you have no lubrication coating your gearbox or rack.
If your truck is equipped with a serpentine belt, it operates more than the power steering. All engine accessories are run by this belt. If only the power steering is driven by a dedicated belt, it is OK to drive it for a short time or longer if necessary.
If the belt only ran the pump and no other components,you could drive it until the end of it’s days. No damage will occur if the belt only runs that pump. ;-)=
