power steering pump

[angel318ti]

I was wondering if the power steering pump uses the fluid from the transmision. I have a leak at the pump and found that my car is shifting rough right now. I figure its because it's using the fluid from the transmission. If I was to drain all the power steering fluid will that drain the fluid from the tranny also? I have an automatic transmission. I know that makes a big difference.

[andyman7931]

the power steering uses ATF, but it's a seperate system from the transmission.

maybe it's just a coincidence that the problems are happening at the same time.

[angel318ti]

so draining the reservoir will just cause my steering to stiffen up. good! I'm draining it until I can get a new pump then. maybe the rough shifting is coming from the pump trying to work harder because of the lack of fluid.

[andyman7931]

I'd leave the resivoir filled up, if you want to disable the pump, I'd try getting a belt that bypasses it if possible. I removed the belt on my e30, I loved the feel of no PS on that car.

[angel318ti]

routing that belt is already hard enough. is there a blet in specific to do this? the reason I want to drainit its because of the environmental factor (not a tree hugger by any means). Here you'll get a fine for any small spill. and its leaking pretty bad right now.