XJ40 Steering pump

[ChampagneCharlie]

I have recently posted about my XJ8 having problems, now my xj40 has been naughty!! Whilst parking it up on a side street, I think the steering pump (or a hose) has blown - steering very stiff and white smoke/steam coming from under the car. I have left the car where it is as I don't have breakdown cover for it. If the steering pump is empty, would it do damage to drive it back home?
Yes, I know it isn't ideal but it is the only way I can think of at the moment.

[Jaguarnut]

Short answer is yes. the pump will be damaged as the ATF also lubricates the pump. From memory however, I cannot remember which drive belt operates what. It may just be possible to remove the pump drive belt. If you only have a short distance of a few miles to go, the only thing you need to keep running is the water pump. The battery can survive running the engine for a while without the alternator and the A/C clearly is not a must-have. If, and it is a big if, this is possible, do be aware that the steering will be incredably heavy and the battery will need to be charged! Hope this may help.

[ChampagneCharlie]

Thanks Jaguarnut! I will take a drive over tomorrow when it's light and see if the belt can be removed or not (all else fails I'll join the RAC or get the bits for a roadside repair!)

[melhook]

dont bother looking for the belt, its driven off the back of the timing chain. dont drive it without oil, you will break it !!! sign up for AA, or RAC and get them to recover it.

[ChampagneCharlie]

Well it's home now, cut the belt and all seems ok. Worse case scenario, I buy a recon pump and fit it.