Low prioirity, but I like the idea of removing the power steering and going with a manual rack. I guess that there a lot of opinions as to whether that makes any sense, but that's not the issue here.
Although my Rabbit got along with one belt, no PS, I do like the redundancy of two belts driving the water pump. So here is the question:
Is it possible to get rid of MOST of the power steering gear and leave the pump/pulley in place, no lines hooked to it, in order to keep the second belt? Or substitute a shorter belt which would still need a movable pulley for removal and adjustment???
Is there just about no chance of one belt breaking if it is maintained and occasionally replaced???
If money was not the issue, I would have a manual rack substituted.
Any comments on this?
??
I'd imagine the pump would seize. The fluid is used for lubrication and cooling as well as driving the rack. I doubt it would last very long.
1 belt is fine, just check its condition every month or so and replace when necessary.
There's very little chance of a belt failing that's properly maintained and not slipping. If you've got a non-AC non-PS belt setup it takes no time to swap the belt either, your redundancy can easily be a belt and a couple wrenches stashed under the driver's seat.