Nissan Repair: 1993 Nissan pickup power steering, nissan pickup, steering box

Question
My power steering belt broke recently and I've been driving w/o power steering since.  Can this cause any problems with my steering column?  There seems to be a leak from it now and I wondered if the lack of power steering somehow stressed it.

Answer
John,

Driving without your power steering is not a good thing.  First, the steering components on the power side are not designed to turn the wheels manually.  This causes wear on components.  Second, the rack or steering box is not being lubricated properly.  I would first check the pulley to see that it turns.  If it is locked replace the pump.  If not, replace the belt.  But, in either case get it repaired.  The movement of the steering, without power, will cause the fluid to overflow the reservoir.  Hopefully, no seals will have been blown by driving it without the pump working.  You will have to get it working to see.