Is it ok to leave the power steering pump belt disconnected? The pump is leaking pretty bad and I don't want all the fluid to get all over the place. I know there is a pressure sensor on the pump that plays a factor with the idle. Will this cause any issues not using the power steering pump?

 

wont effect idle

not really a good idea if driving a long way or cornering a lot

the rack and pinion system without its pump maybe heavier than non powered power steering system
because you have to equal the pressure effort of the missing pump

try this first --- without the belt on
drive the car a small distance up the road - at low speed - see if you can do a U turn

if you cant ---- you need that belt on

the non return valve on the pump only affects the oil flow in the rack

sometimes ..... better to have a leak

 

What kind of PS fluid does the 97 Camry V6 take?

 

did a search

every post says "check your owners manual "

every toyota fwd I owned said dexron 3

as the pump is leaking so much ...wont hurt it

best to go with dexron 3 - same as the automatic oil


this is your power steering rack ---- seals and 0 rings like to leak

 

Might remove the PS belt and determine if the lack of PS is a problem for you.

Have needed to cut the PS belt off when the PS system developed a massive leak and didn't want to damage the PS pump from lack of fluid. For safety reasons the steering is designed to operate with a non-working PS system.