Can I drive my Ford Escort with a malfunctioning power steering pump?

Question

My car suddenly became difficult to turn the steering wheel when I am driving very slowly (ie backing in and out of parking spots etc.) . Once I get going, it's fine. It's starting making a whooshing noise when I turn the steering wheel (again, only when I'm parking). I took it in and was told the power steering pump is shot...it's a $450 repair and I don't think I"m going to keep this car too much longer (it has 215K on it). Can I drive it like this for a while or not?

Answer 1

You can drive it like that...the question is can you steer it as that will be hard when the power steering is not working.

Answer 2

Sure you can drive it without power steering for as long as you want,Just remember that it takes a little more work to turn it when your not moving very fast . Becareful.

Answer 3

You can drive it like that, but it's going to ruin the power steering pump, if it's not already ruined.