Power steering

[TonyC]

Just wondering if anyone has removed the power steering from their car?

The steering isn\'t particularly heavy when the engine is not running, so I don\'t really see what benefit it gives. Looking at the enigne today it doesn\' seem particulalr difficult to remove the power steerin system - presumably you can plug the feeds into the rack and the rack will be ok?

[Spartacus]

It\'s been done in the US by V8 swap guys, but I don\'t think it was just a matter of plugging feeds. I could see if I can find the info of what they did if you like?

[TonyC]

if you can find the info, please. It is something that occuered to me as I was working on the car today. I\'m not sure how the powered rack works though - hence the question. I\'m not sure if simply leaving the rack with fluid in it, and having it powered \'manaully\' is ok for the rack internals.
I suppose it should as the fluid is just pumped around to provide assistance.

Freddy has a Jap import car with the power steering removed, I noticed it when I visited. I should have asked if it still used the standard rack.

[Grizzly]

I did it on my T2 a while ago, simply conect it to its self (if you know what i mean) don\'t forget to leave some oil in the pipe (the PS rack is not lube itself).

As you say it does work ok but is a tad on the heavy side if you want to park it (not that i can imagen you would run into this problem)

Don\'t just leave the Conections open as the rack will seize

[TonyC]

Excellent, thanks.
There are four pipes into the rack on the FD, the plan was to just plug them - with fluid inside , you say connect to itself, have you bridged from one connector to another with short pipes then?

There is quit a lot of gubbins associated with the power steering, not just the pump weight and pipes. I should also gain some BHP as there will be no parasitic loss from driving the power steering. Maybe as much as 4 bhp

[TonyC]

had another quick look at the rack, and in fact 2 of the four pipes feed the rack itself so are some kind of feed or return system - so they can stay attached. Just the two that run to the pump itself will need to be disconnected and then plugged.

[AtomicRex]

Tony I was advised not to do it!

So run with it....Dont think it will save a lot of weight....but you might notice the difference at high speed.

[antnicuk]

The two that go to the pump are a high pressure feed and a low pressure return, i\'m not sure about running a PAS rack without a pump but if you are going to connect anything connect the 2 pipes that go to the pump.  All i do know is you shouldnt run it dry.

[Spartacus]

if you can find the info, please. It is something that occuered to me as I was working on the car today. I\'m not sure how the powered rack works though - hence the question. I\'m not sure if simply leaving the rack with fluid in it, and having it powered \'manaully\' is ok for the rack internals.
I suppose it should as the fluid is just pumped around to provide assistance.

Freddy has a Jap import car with the power steering removed, I noticed it when I visited. I should have asked if it still used the standard rack.

Here you go, this is the best I can find, there is alot of info all over the shop but finding it is another matter.

"Heres a quick write up.

Take it the rack out of your car.
take off all lines going in or out of rack you wont need them any more.
You can leave them open or plug them with bolt and or weld the small ones shut.
All large holes near shaft should be pluged with bolts.
Take all bolts and springs out, and place them in order to reassemble later.
Remove the quill (you will notice that the quill shaft is two interlocing peice\'s)
Weld the two peices together were the meet. (there is a little indention on both sides that is the best place for the weld)
Welding the quill is not nessacary as it only removes 2 too 3 degrees of play. But recomended for best feel.
Remove the rubber end boots.
Remove the short end tie rod end and tie rod.
Push inner shaft out the passenger side.
There will be a large metal O ring around the inner shaft.
This needs to be removed. There are several ways. The easiest way is to grind down through one side untill very thin(dont hit the shaft) use a chisle to break the last little bit off and the O ring will come off.
Grease the threads on the shaft.
Reinstale back words. Grease the threads on the quill as well.

I will be able to take pics of eveything for you in a few days.
The only other thing marvala does is paint the rack with black spray paint."

[Oliver]

Hello Tony,
 Here is a link with a short write up and photos.
http://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=631992&highlight=manual+power+steering

At low speeds it can be alittle work with slicks but at higher speeds I think you will get better feed back and feel from the car. That is what I have been told from those who race FD\'s in the States. But, many racecars today still use PS, so it can be a tough call to make.

Regards
Oliver

[TonyC]

Thanks guys, whilst you were all chatting I removed it anyway! I was thinking about it whilst at work and realised why you can\'t just plug it - you have to route the feed and return as said.
The fluid doesn\'t lubicate the rack, it only lubricates the piston/seals within the rack. You can run it without PAS, so long as fluid remains.

I spent a large part of today working through this and I can\'t see the negative reasons Jon. You may get air in the system which might make it feel odd as you move fluid, then a bubble, then fluid - so a breather might help that.

If it doesn\'t feel right, it will only take an hour or so to re-attach and re-connect. The steering cerainly doesn\'t feel heavy when manuvering the car with the engine off and no assistance - although I\'m used to cars with no PAS at all anyway.

if you don\'t try these things, you never know.

[banned advertiser]

Just seen this thread Tony and have put a comment in your other thread.

[Carl]

Suffice it to say that with the stock steering system on an FD a guy got killed when he modded his steering to work without power assistance because parts that would not normally get strained broke.
Regards
Carl