Power steering not working - can I remove belt?

[willg60 0]

Hi, there doesn't seem to be any power steering on my new G60, am I right in thinking there is an independent belt driving the pump? I've also got a nasty rattle coming from somewhere which I thought might be big ends, but I thought maybe it's the pump and wanted to take the belt off to see if the noise goes away as guessing the pump is knackered. Am I OK to take that belt off? Thing pinks like mad aswell. Bought a Macol oil cooler kit which is going on possibly tomorrow.

[Philuk 0]

taking off the belt will stop the pump moving to make the power steering. if you turn the wheel you are in theory forcing pressure through the pump. i would of thought this wouldnt do the pump any good but dunno if it will do major damage. if its only for a couple of mins while you check something then i doubt it will do any damage but a prolonged amount of time will prolly knacker it. you can take off the power steering but ou will need alot of new bits to do it.