Weekend Ruined By Blown Power Steering Pump At The Track...I Don't Think So!

ResIpsa

I was on my third lap of my first session of the weekend when I noticed oil spraying through my hood vents onto my windshield. I quickly pitted and discovered that my power steering pump main seal failed and power steering fluid was gushing out (thank god for the plastic under tray on our cars or I might have taken out half the advance group). After a few calls I came to the revelation that I was not going to be able to source a new pump in time to save my weekend. Dejected, I called my wife and let her know I would be coming home soon.

That’s when a fellow driver walked up to my car, surveyed the situation, and said “just drain the pump and drive without power steering”. He added “you only live once and don’t get that many opportunities to play”. I thought about it and quickly sprinted across the paddock to one of the spec 350Z guys. I asked him if they (spec 350Z) ever run without a power steering pump. He looked at me like I was crazy (mind you he was a really frail guy and a single amputee). I rephrased my question and asked him if I would damage anything if I drained my pump and drove anyway. As he reattached his leg he looked at me and sad “you have muscles…and your car will be fine”.

I ended up running four sessions two of which were thirty minutes long. The feel of driving without power steering is amazing and you can feel everything the tires are doing.

It was different (i.e. grueling). I would compare it to doing a track day while taking a spinning class. Even with my cool shirt I was completely drenched in sweat from head to toe.

However, If you ever experience the same problem, here is confirmation that you can indeed track your car with a blown power steering pump.

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The Reed Law Firm; Michael Fasano VA Attorney and Counselor at Law: A Virginia Traffic, Criminal, and Family Lawyer.https://reedlawva.com/