Driving without power steering fluid....???

So, pretty sure one of my power steering lines blew. One day after turning truck around in my driveway, I noticed about 10 minutes later that there was a huge puddle of oil on the ground under engine. After looking at it, steering pump was empty, and the fluid smelled like the inside cap. That being said, my mechanic’s shop is exactly 1 mile away from my house. A slow back street drive with only 2 left turns (if that makes a difference).

My question is, is it ok to drive without steering fluid? I know turning will be very hard, but will driving harm the pump at all in 1 mile? I don’t need more damage done. My mechanic doesn’t have a way to tow. Gotta hire a flatbed and thats about $90 bucks. Can’t afford it.

Thanks...

 

A mile doesn't seem like much, but a new pump is a risk. Remove the belt? Or, heck, cut the belt?

 

Remove the belt and rock on. Drove my 5 lug Tacoma for a few years with no power steering. Although, the bigger the tires, the more annoying it's going to be moving around in parking lots.

 

I though about that. Its a 2003 v6. Is there only the Power Steering on the belt? How about the alternator, separate belt? I know I don’t need the alt for a mile drive, and the water pump is on the timing belt. I’ll look at it tomorrow.

 

Power steering belt is separate from the alternator. There are three belts, one for the power steering and AC, the other for the fan, and the last for the alternator. Someone correct me if I’m wrong.

 

3 belts, AC belt, power steering, and fan/alt

 

Yeah, didn’t have a chance to look today. So the power steering pump has its own belt? Perfect, now I feel better. Thanks


Thanks everyone.....

 

Check this out.


https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/3-4-drive-belt-diagram-help-198869/

 

If you do refill it remember the Tacoma power steering system uses Automatic Transmission Fluid (DEXRON III according to the manual) to pressurize the rack.