i posted this in the lightning section but i think i would get more help here

I have a 2000 lightning I was driving down the freeway yesterday and the pulley off of my power steering pump broke off and went tumbling down the freeway. Im not sure if it will work but I want to put a smaller belt on my truck to bypass the Ps if its possiable

does anyone know what belt i would need or even if it will work,

 

The only thing that I can think of is to take a piece of string follow the origininal routing of the original belt as per your diagram and then measure the length of the string. That will give the aproximate length of the belt you need. Then you take that measure ment to an auto prts store and try and match up a belt. This procedure is used to help in an emergency and should not be permanent. I hop that this helps you out.

 

ummmm no?

It would be diffiicult and dangerous...not to mention hard to steer. These particular power steering units tend to leak if you attempt to steer without power...

Why would you want to do without power steering anyway? I admit it's a gas waster but probably fairly essential in a big vehicle...

In some newer small cars, they are going towards electric ps which I think is long overdue, should be more reliable, and much less energy required.

 

you definitely want power steering in a full size truck like that.

 

i havent had power steering in a while the pitman arm seal leaks faster than i can keep fluid in it, i am just going to use this as a temp fix till i get my new pump and gear box seals in, maybe a day to two

 

Apart from the risk of creating dangerous oil slicks from the leaking oil, I'd think you'd be a danger to yourself and everyone on the road without power steering, I can't imagine you can steer effectively or safely- do everyone a favour and keep the truck off the road til you get it fixed. If you caused an accident with a known defect like that, it might void your insurance....at the very least.

 

Theoretically speaking you will need to change the upper driver side idler pulley to a ribbed one. At present it is a flat one and the belt will just come off. Then get a string and measure the new pulley routing. Take off about an inch or two to allow for the fact that the tensioner is maxed out.

You could also pull the blower belt off and drive around without any belts. Your truck will go into failsafe cooling mode, reducing power to the engine, and you will be so pissed by this you will not want to drive it at all till it is properly fixed.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier