My power steering is not working. I have a 1985 300SD with 175,000 miles.
The starter motor was recently replaced. The P/S reservoir is full. There appears to be a thin film of oil on the belts. Where should I begin?

The cheap way is to get a used pump and reseal all of the seals on the used pump that you get. Or you could take that one apart to only find that the vains are so worn that it is not worth it!! Also take the drain plug out of the bottom of the power steering box and refill the system with some fresh Bilstein power steering fluid. Also change the filter in the pump while you're at it. Total job will probally cost you about 20 dollars for the seals and 60 dollars for a used pump.

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DRIVE HARD-DRIVE FAST-DRIVE TO GET THE HELL OUT OF MY WAY.

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Will I damage anything if I continue to drive the car until I replace the pump?

You'll damage your arms and shoulders.

Since you already identified an oilly belt, why don't you replace it before you go to all the trouble of rebuilding the p/s system? It's cheap and will have to be replaced anyway.

Good luck,

Autozone sells a rebuilt pump for $85 guaranteed for life.
Are there any tricks to the installation?