Steering rack

[djr69uk]

Does it harm your steering rack if you drive around with no power to the steering? I'm starting to notice heavy steering at times since my 20 mile journey home after alternator failure a month ago. I'm hoping it hasn't done any damage to the rack. As far as I was aware I was just fighting against the rack and power steering motor though... didn't think it could cause damage to the rack...?

Thoughts?

Cheers

[67688c]

I don't think it will damage the rack itself, though its possible it may eventually cause some damage to the primary steering auxillery components, ie. pump/motor etc. whichever it uses due to the extra load placed on them, but there should'nt be any difference on the rack side. Like you say... I would'nt have thought so either.

However, I think it would be obviously wise to get it sorted ASAP.