2.0 Cupra - disabling power steering?

[jlovie]

My 1997 8v Cupra Sport is nearing the end of its life. I've just noticed a power steering fluid leak.
Has anyone driven one with the power steering disabled?

Just wondering how heavy it will be and if it would be driveable if I removed the ps drive belt.

There's only about 6 weeks MOT left Due to corrosion, previous advisories and mounting problems I'll be scrapping it come MOT time.
I'll generally only be using it for essential shopping and looking for another car.

I've owned it since new, it's been a great car, and a cheap to run fun banger for the last few years but it's time to let go.

 

[jcs356]

I ran mine for a short while when I pulled the belt off in one of the gravel traps at Donington Park.

It's driveable, in fact I preferred the steering feel when on track, but it was very heavy at slow speeds and made parking a faff. But for 6 weeks you could live with it.

 

[jlovie]

Thanks, that's what I was expecting. a friend suggested I test it by rolling down a quiet hill with the engine off - never thought of that.
Might be worth draining it down or just snipping the pipes so there's less resistance.

It's been making the graunchy steering noise that others have mentioned for many years now but has got worse lately.

The whole car's basically worn out - I've only done about 65,000 miles in 15 years but a lot of that has been short runs.
I once did a trackday in it, must have been well over 10 years ago, I was invited to a Subaru OC day at Knockhill to make uo the numbers.

I might end up with another Ibiza if the right one turns up.

 

[Slimy]

Power steering racks are often quicker than their equivalent manual racks, so it takes a lot more leverage to turn the car. As jcs says you'll be fine when it's moving, but you'll be getting a workout when you come to park it.

I was about to say that it may not pass MOT, but if you're scrapping it before that then that'll not be an issue!

 

[edc]

Thanks, that's what I was expecting. a friend suggested I test it by rolling down a quiet hill with the engine off - never thought of that

Just wait for the steering lock to come on as you go straight on when you need to turn!

 

[jlovie]

Just wait for the steering lock to come on as you go straight on when you need to turn!

I did think about that!

Haven't done it yet, it didn't start yesterday as I hadn't shut the door properly when I had the bonnet up to check the ps oil level and the interior light was on all night & flattened the battery.

A quick charge & it's going again - in all the 15 years it's always been an instant starter - the original battery lasted 13 years.

I spotted a 2007 Ibiza 1.4 Formula Sport for sale & wondered if it would be suitable as a replacement, but I think I'd miss my grunty old 2.0 8 valve.
I presume the 1.4 100bhp engine is quite a revvy thing.

 

[Slimy]

You can have the electrics on (and therefore the steering lock not being active) but not start the engine.

 

[Cupra Kid]

I spotted a 2007 Ibiza 1.4 Formula Sport for sale & wondered if it would be suitable as a replacement, but I think I'd miss my grunty old 2.0 8 valve.
I presume the 1.4 100bhp engine is quite a revvy thing.

Very revvy things. If you want grunt in an Ibiza these days it had to be a TDI.

A PD100 should be relatively comparable, except for the fuel consumption.

 

[jlovie]

That's what I thought about the 1.4 Sport. Probably not what I'd like at all.

I had a look to see where the power steering leak was today, looks like the hard pipe that runs along the rack, might not be too expensive, possibly replacable by a flexy. It's not leaking too bad yet, more weeping than spraying.

I'm not ruling out getting another year out of it, I might get a pre-MOT check soon just so I know for sure, but it's definitely on its last legs.

I'd be tempted by a decent 130hp diesel but I think they stopped making them quite a while ago.

 

[Cupra Kid]

I'd be tempted by a decent 130hp diesel but I think they stopped making them quite a while ago.

2008 was the last of the TDI 130's so if it goes on as long as your current one has you'll be seeing that on to the scrap heap too

 

[jlovie]

I don't seem to see many TDi 130s for sale around here (Aberdeen). I guess owners will be hanging onto them as there's not really a direct replacement. The general trend seems to be towards smaller engines, no doubt for emissions.
The thing I really like about my Ibiza is the torquey 8v engine.