Bad to run without power steering pump?

One Equals Two · Mar 24, 2010

I've got an evil idea. Haha, Okay, not really evil, but the lady of the house is upset that I have a new project and wants me to get rid of it. So, I posted my dream project...the Mirage GT for sale. But, I am thinking of completing it, and then try to convince her that it's a good car..."ya know...good on gas and all." Then I may be able to keep it. Maybe.

Anyway, so to complete this, I have a question.

1. (Searched but yielded "bad power steering pump" "how to replace pump.." etc. Is it bad to run a rack and pinion setup for power steering, with no power steering pump? The car is so dang light that I don't need power steering, but I wonder if it's bad to just plug up the holes on the rack and use it as a manual steering setup.

Gasolinebaptism · Mar 24, 2010

I don't think it's an issue. Look around, you can probably find a steering pump delete kit.

white92talontsi · Mar 24, 2010

It is not advisable to run without a PS pump.
Remember PS fluid is not only used under pressure to operate the rack and pinion but it is also a form of lubrication for the Rack and pinion. In the long run the Rack will eventually fail.

It may last for a while you never know but if you can find a manual rack then go with that.

Would you run your M/T without gear oil??? You could but how far would you get??
Get my drift!

DSMified92 · Mar 24, 2010

ok well i dont know about them but i have experience with powersteering racks with no pump im doing it right now and i have buddys that do it. just take your line and cross it over so the fluid stays in it and that way the fluid has area to travelso that you dont force the fluid and blow out the seals. works great i love it.

white92talontsi · Mar 24, 2010

DSMified92 said:
ok well i dont know about them but i have experience with powersteering racks with no pump im doing it right now and i have buddys that do it. just take your line and cross it over so the fluid stays in it and that way the fluid has area to travelso that you dont force the fluid and blow out the seals. works great i love it.

Guess this would work but I would think you would have to either have a special hose made or run adapters on one end because the thread sizes between the pressure side of the rack and the return side of the rack are 2 different sizes.

JayRolla · Mar 25, 2010

I ran my first dsm for 3 years and no power steering with no issues. Just make sure you plug the holes up so dust don't get into the system. Manual rack and pinion makes turning a little easier buts it's a lot work.

motozachl · Mar 25, 2010

Best way is to loop the in/out together rather than pluging it up btw...

saturnshadow · Mar 25, 2010

If you check the miata forums allot of people de-power there rack. i am running a de-powered rack in my saturn, but i took the rack apart cut out the "piston" and greased everything with synthetic wheel bearing grease. Once i cut out the "piston" it was WAY easier to turn because you are not fighting to push the fluid though the lines/ loop.

tkrPerformance · Mar 25, 2010

I have ran my talon with out p/s pump for 6 years on the power rack with the in and out looped together all done the same thing in my spyder.

you should fix up the mirage and let the girl drive it. That is how I got my 89 turbo mirage got it put in a engine and tranny and gave it to the wife to drive and she loves it. She likes it much better than the 1g she had

One Equals Two · Mar 25, 2010

tkrPerformance said:
I have ran my talon with out p/s pump for 6 years on the power rack with the in and out looped together all done the same thing in my spyder.

you should fix up the mirage and let the girl drive it. That is how I got my 89 turbo mirage got it put in a engine and tranny and gave it to the wife to drive and she loves it. She likes it much better than the 1g she had

Thanks, those were the answers I was looking for. I was assuming it'd work, but I just wasn't sure. As for ^^^, she doesn't drive stick at all. I'd have to teach her first, then hope she'll forgive me..

AllWheelRS · Mar 25, 2010

Just run the loop to keep fluid in there and you'll have no problems, keep in mind that driving under 5 mph is going to be tough. My girl can't drive my laser because she has too much trouble parking it.

haswesley · Mar 25, 2010

Going with a manual rack is simple. A couple hours of work and you can get rid of some weight by removing the power steering pump, lines, etc. Cleans up the engine bay. Manual steering is geared different, also. So, its easier to steer than unhooked power steering.

One Equals Two · Mar 25, 2010

The Mirage is a ton lighter and easier to steer than a regular DSM. I can almost palm the wheel trying to park it so I am not worried about being able to drive it or having a hard time. 2100 lbs is cake.

dsmerforlife · May 22, 2013

I am having almost the same problem my power steering pump is leaking from the in line bolts the bolt on bottom and I can't get it to stop and is a newer pump as well just thinking of the things to do get a new one or just take it off!! my wife also love to drive sticks and fast cars but when it comes to my talon it freaks her out! way to fast

rough · May 22, 2013

You brought up a post that was 3 years old!! Shame on you!! LOL

ExtremeTurboSystems · May 22, 2013

Did you try replacing the oring that is supposed to be on that line?

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Bad to run without power steering pump?

One Equals Two

Gasolinebaptism

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white92talontsi

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motozachl

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tkrPerformance

One Equals Two

AllWheelRS

haswesley

One Equals Two

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