Sounds like my smog pump is about to seize. Is it OK to run the car without it while I rebuild it? Thanks - Steve
'87 S4 Silver/blk

 

Depends on how your drive belts are configured Steve.

If the smog pump shares the same belt as the AC compressor, or has a dedicated belt, it should be no problem.

Some folks have deleted that smog pump and replaced it with a simple idler pulley - I don't recall what, if any, ramifications there are to the exhaust management system/sensors.

 

A search revealed that this topic has been well covered here. I just went out and cut the belt off.

 

Atta Boy Steve-

The smog pump is a seperate belt on the 87 - no significant impact. In fact - some have completely remove the parasitic device when they swapped out their Cats for the test tubes.

 

Nothing like the sound of a screaching bearing coming from the front of the engine to cause a little sphincter constriction. Stethescope revealed way more noise coming from the smog pump than the ps pump or alternator and when I did a TB tension check about 10K ago, I spun the smog pump and it felt a little worn so I assumed that was it. Confident that cutting the belt has averted a pump seizure with broken pump belt or WORSE (the unthinkable), I go out for a drive and - THere's that darn Squawk again, the unmistakable sound of a dry bearing about to seize. It squawks again as I lift the hood.. Then - nothing... Quiet as can be. AHA!! Push down on hood switch - Left fan motor lets out a loud screach and wobbles trying to spin up to speed. Time for new fan motors!! hehe Oh well - no harm done I guess. The smog pump will get a rest.