my Air pump went out today. It shorted the wires that connect to it and started to smoke. So i disconnected it and it seems to run alright.
Can anyone tell me what the air pump does and if i have to replace it right away? is it just mainly for emissions or is it like vital to your engine. What does it actually do I guess is what Im asking. Its right in front of the power steering pulley. here's what it looks like taken from another site. also ever since that went out my pulley seems to make a chirping noise.

[IMG]local://upfiles/4475/DAAD9FACE8724393A2F6DF13CD3282C1.jpg[/IMG]

 

Forgot to mention It has two hoses connected to it one goes into the intake and the other one seems to go all the way around the back of the engine and into the exhaust manifold on the passenger side.

 

All it does is to pump clean air in to dilute the exhaust.