Component Interdependence...

["Matt Howe" <ismhowe@state.me.us>]

Howdy listers, I've got an '85 5ks with a badly leaking steering rack.  I
don't mind driving a car without power steering (in fact, I like it better
at highway speeds) but if I let the steering fluid drain completely away, I
lose the vacum power assist for my brakes.  This is, on the other hand, not
acceptable.  I am wondering if I can plug the vacum lines to my steering
rack, so that I can be without steering fluid and still brake okay.  I do
plan to replace my rack, but I get the feeling I'm pretty po' as compared to
most audi owners,  so it could be a couple of months away.  Has anyone
attempted this kind of workaround before?  I would appreciate any BTDT's.

I can see some logic in using the same pump unit for the brakes and
steering, since you have fewer parts to break down.  I don't know if you've
ever tried to stop one of these beasts without power braking (this is an
avant by the way), but I'd consider the vacum assist to be a critical
system.  Whereas having no power steering just requires a little more muscle
for parking.  Are the newer audis designed similarly?

-Matt