Power steering problems

[simonsparrow]

The power steering on my car has gone. The resevoir still has plenty of fluid in it, so after a bit of research on here, I've come to the conclusion that it could be a sheared woodruff key, as the earlier cars were prone to it apparently (mine is a '97).

I've also gleaned that you can replace the pump with one from a Citroen Saxo, as used by TVR on later models.

Those of you with the electric pump replacements, what did you do with the 'broken' mechanical one? Is it still in situ spinning away (or trying to), or can you remove it somehow without disturbing the water + oil pumps (which are driven off the same shaft).

Does failure of the PAS pump mean that the oil and water pups are at risk, or are they fairly seperate?

Thanks!

An update: just went out and looked at the car, and with the engine running I can see a disk in front of the power steering pump trying to spin. It rotates every now and then making a 'chirping' noise, so I guess the key has sheared. I would also guess that as I can see this disk, that the PAS pump can be removed, leaving the jackshaft exposed - any issues with leaving it like this if I convert to electric?

>> Edited by simonsparrow on Saturday 15th April 18:49