removing power steering lines

[DSMantledYou]

I'm hoping this isn't a stupid question . I'm removing my power steering and will be installing a manual rack on my 90 TSI AWD. Is it just me, or is does it seem pretty hard to get a wrench to reach the hard line that leads to the rack? The VFAQ says to get to it from the top of the engine bay before removing the rack. Is that right? It just seems like I'm too limited on space to reach down there between the engine and the firewall. Suggestions?

 

[CrazyUglyCoyote]

Where did you get your manual rack from, and how much? Des this solve the issue of the whole no steering thing on an auto cross track?

 

[DSMantledYou]

Where did you get your manual rack from, and how much? Des this solve the issue of the whole no steering thing on an auto cross track?

I couldn't find any manual racks at the junkyards, so I had to settle paying $200 (includes shipping) at mitsubishi graveyard. I got sick of junkyards teling me they had manual racks but when I get to the place, all they have are power steering racks. As for the autocross thing, I know nothing about that. I'm using it to free up engine space, maybe a few horses, and any future worries about a leaking rack (mine is shot).

 

[Lancer14]

Its very hard to describe, and its even more difficult to do. The only advise I can think to give is to reach down with the wrench and mess around with it until you get it to fit. If I recall correctly it was one of those situations where you have to turn, flip the wrench, turn, flip, etc...
If you don't plan on keeping the hard lines for future use, or selling them you could always cut them.
I got my manual rack from www.car-part.com for $60 shipped. Tossed on new tie rods and its been great.
Good luck!

Chris

 

[CrazyUglyCoyote]

Aside from weight reduction, what are the advantages?

 

[Lancer14]

One of the reasons I got rid of mine is because it kept leaking on my alternator. I went through 2 or 3 before I finally said screw it and got a manual rack.
The engine bay looks cleaner without the pump, oil lines and reservoir, and the little bit of weight you save doesn't hurt either.

Chris

 

[MIdsm]

I did it from the passenger side of the vehicle. My battery is in the trunk so i had enough room to lay over the right fender and reach toward the fitting with wrench in my left hand. There is enough room between the block and the fire wall (and below the intake manifold) to reach PS rack fittings. As Lancer14 said, put the wrench on the fitting, turn as much as possible, flip the wrench over and turn the fitting as much as possible, flip the wrench, turm, etc., etc..

Good luck,

Stevan

 

[DSMantledYou]

Well I got it out, and figured it's much easier to go from the bottom. After getting a good angle after removing the swaybar, I was able to unbolt the power steering line. The overall job itself isn't too difficult following the vfaq, it's just a bit time consuming. Thanks for the suggestions!

The reason for removing the rack was becuase my P/S was leaking pretty bad (reservoir would go empty). It's not my daily driver, so I decided I would be better off getting a manual rack so I can reduce weight, free up some space, and not have to worry too much about future maintenance on the P/S rack.