rebuilding power steering pump??

[ayjay]

so i'm pretty sure my power steering pump has kicked the bucket... was making a mad squeeling/vibrating noise (not the belt) and reservoir was bubbling over like crazy too. took the pump out just yesterday so my car is outta commision and the obvious solution would be to buy a new pump, but i don't have $200 a wrecker is my other choice, but i can also buy a seal/rebuild kit for the pump for about $12... anybody had any experience with doing this, and/or if this would actually fix my the problem?

thanks

[Toahk]

You can still drive the car without power steering, I did it for a few months, just harder to turn. I would say check the classifieds of this site, http://www.zilvia.net and http://www.240sxforums.com for people parting out engines, and you can get one for cheap. I picked mine up for 25 shipped from someone parting out their engine.

[droll]

I would say go with a used one if you've never done a rebuild on anything before. It is usually a process that you need to be familiar with, especially when it comes to working with seals and such.

[ayjay]

ok say i can't find a used power steering pump for a while... how do i run my car without the power steering? i have already removed the pump, so what do i do with the hoses? and is it about as hard to steer as a car that didn't come with power steering in the first place? thanks!

[Toahk]

Just put the pump back on, and connect the hoses, but leave off the belt. It will be harder to steer, but I daily drove it around town for a few months no prob.

[ayjay]

went to a wrecker and took off a pump from another 240... $50 CDN later (including power steering fluid) i replaced the pump and it steers goooood :pface thanks for your suggestions guys... oh and driving without the power steering belt attached is just stupidly hard to steer, especially when attempting 3 point turns