2000 echo p/s troubles

[gljsd]

My toyota echo lost its power steering 2 months ago but I kept driving it. I quickly got used to it.

When I finally had time to look, the belt was gone. A new belt only fixed the problem for a day. A mechanic said I needed a new pump. Total = $800. Yeah I was ripped off. But even that only worked for 2 days. The mechanic added P/S fluid which helped for the rest of that day.

Now the mechanic says that I need a new Rack $1200 because the fluid is leaking out.

Could I just remove the P/S belt and drive the car without power steering, as I had been for the past two months? And if so, maybe I could sell my new P/S pump?

Thanks for any and all info.
G.Doucet

[moonmonkey]

my echo does not have power steering never did and it doesnt need it , but your rack is made for it i think, so it is probably harder to turn than my non power steering rack, my best guess is you would be ok without the pump on it,if you can handle it,(get a mecanic to back that info up,,, not the same guy though,) as far as selling the powersteering pump ebay it! after you verify you dont need it. someone on" echo fans.com" might have a better answer for you

[BamZipPow]

How bad is the leak? You could try some Auto-RX in it and see if it clears it up.

[Ryland]

Buy a new or used non power steering rack and have it installed, used ones look to cost $100 or so, as little as $45, they are also only held in by the tie rod ends and I think 4 bolts and the steering shaft if I remember correctly.

[gljsd]

thanks for all that info