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Hi Rob,
I work at Delphi Steering. In fact, I know that we used to supply power steering pumps for NG900 and OG9-3. Not sure about 9000. Although, I am not directly involved with the pump product, I've been exposed enough to know somewhat. The power steering fluid also acts as lubrication for the rotating parts in the pump (vane and rotors). Without the lubrication, there is a strong possibility that the pump will seize. Then the pulley won'y turn and the serpentine belt will 'jump'. Obviously, without the serpentine belt driving your water pump (along with alternator and compressor, oil pump(?)) is not a good thing, as your engine will overheat quickly. And yes, we run tests on pumps to failure and one of the failure mode is the drive shaft seizing. In fact, I was in my co-worker's car coming back from Detroit autoshow when his return hose blew. We called one of the pump engineering managers and was told not to drive very far without the fluid.
Now, only two exceptions. One if you have an older Saab (I know I can do this on C900) with separate belt for power steering pump. You can unhook the belt and drive without power steering. Or if the pump fails, you may just get belt squeal. But if you have '93 and newer 9000, I know for sure they have serpentine belt, find the leak and fix it quickly before this minor problem turns into a major one. Two, another failure mode is that the rotor/vane breaks and the pump drive shaft free wheels. This is lesser common failure mode. I don't think you want to take a chance.
I would take it to a reputable shop. They will put a dye in the reservoir. With the some sort of ultraviolet light, the dye will show up and that will be the source of leak. It's not that expensive to diagnose.
Good luck,
James from Michigan...
posted by 12.47.22...
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