Firstfives.org

My power steering high-pressure hose (the one leading from the pump to the steering gear) is leaking pretty badly. I've ordered a replacement but it's one of those special-order, may take ten days to show up, things. You know how it is.

I am wondering: IF the hose goes kablooey while I'm waiting for the replacement, how much damage am I risking to the pump or gear running the car without it? Obviously we're talking about no power steering, but:

Will the steering gear die if it goes dry?
Will the pump die if it starts sucking air? And could I protect the pump by routing its output right back into the reservoir?
Am I insane to even consider running my dear daily driver without power steering?

Take the belt off.

(facepalm) Yes, I should probably do that instead. Thanks.

So the steering gear will be OK if it has to go dry for a while?

You can Google Search Power steering hose(s) replacement here. Look on the left panel, home page.

I believe there are posts about taking the hose off, then to a local NAPA or auto parts store that fixes high pressure hoses. Reuse fittings, etc.

Faster, less money.

Yeah, I saw that but didn't feel comfortable going that route. Call it superstition or timidity, but I went ahead and ordered the part.

If you take your hoses to a hydraulics repair shop, they'll match up the fittings and create new hoses for you. They're typically 1/4 - 1/3 the price...at least it is compared to what BMW Canada charges...the cost of most parts from the dealer are ridiculous.
They look just like the original components. I had all my A/C hoses replaced the same way.