Power Steering to Manual Steering Conversion [Merged 4-8]

[DSMRevolution]

I am creating the thread to discuss the pros and cons of the power steering to manual steering conversion. There really hasn't been that much discussion to this so I figured it was about time! Anyways, here we go...



1. When converting to manual steering is it best to use the stock power steering rack or convert to a 1.8L manual rack?

2. Is the ratio of the manual rack going to be to small for autocrossing? Or wouldn't you even want to consider manual steering for autocrossing?

3. If you want to use the stock power steering rack for manual steering insted of using a manual rack, what would you want to remove or change to do this?

4. I was thinking about converting to manual steering, but I am not sure if I want to. Before I decide to convert can I just remove the power steering belt and see how I like it before going through the trouble of converting?

5. Will the power steering rack go bad if it doesn't have fluid in it?

6. Can the power steering rack be reused if it was once used for manual steering?

7. But most of all, what do you like and dislike about manual steering?



Feel free to ask anymore questions in this thread regarding manual steering or answer whatever you please. Thanks!

 

[1QUICK4]

Do not dissconect your power rack and run it, it will wear rapidly.
Also a manual rack will be lighter than a P/S rack, and it will be easier to steer than a plugged P/S rack.


If you want manual steering install a 1.8 box. Its fine for Auto-X and you can feel the road more.

 

[talont3t4]

What about in a 2g?

 

[talont3t4]

What is needed to do this converstion and any feed back from anyone that has done it (no speculation please only feedback from first hand knowledge)!

 

[ItsStockOfficer]

this is not extreme. At all.

 

[talont3t4]

So you are saying most DSM'rs drive around with manual steering??????

 

[ItsStockOfficer]

Most DSM's have a a passenger seat, are you saying "Passenger seat removal" is extreme? Its not, neithers a manual rack, its not extreme in any way shape or form

 

[talont3t4]

Did you have a look at the other threads in this forum! They don't look extreem either do they!

 

[ItsStockOfficer]

so why does that make your contribution to idiocy ok?

 

[talont3t4]

If you know the answer to my question then answer it if not get lost. Your waisting alot of time and effort and personally your not worth my time or effort so either answer the question or don't bother replying!

 

[Lordpaxin]

dude just wants to get some armstrong steering, why hate on him?

sounds more extreme than most stuff posted here

 

[UndergroundR32]

Originally posted by talont3t4
What is needed to do this converstion and any feed back from anyone that has done it (no speculation please only feedback from first hand knowledge)!

A maual steering rack

 

[talont3t4]

A manual rack for a 2G?????????????

 

[UndergroundR32]

My mistake. I can't say I've heard of anyone putting a manual steering rack into a DSM. I have one in my Galant, but that doesn't help you now does it? If you're looking to make your p/s rack manual, then try here http://www.dsm.org/archives/1998/08/19980818.txt/17.html

 

[1QUICK4]

Not sure on the 2Gs

 

[CarTunr22]

When i drained my fluid out of my 1G it made it very difficult to steer even at speed above 20mph. the only good thing i learned from this is power steering fluid is honey colored not black.

 

[98TsiAWD]

Remove the PS belt, done.

 

[NDgsx]

1. 1.8l rack

2. Too many turns lock to lock on the manual unit. It's fine for higher speed driving but I would never use it for autoX.

3. I'd remove all the lines, but have one rubber line connecting the input and output on the rack, with fluid in it.

4. Yes but it will be a lot harder to turn than the manual rack.

5. Yes

6. If it had fluid in it

7. Steering isn't incredibly light anymore, easier to drive at higher speeds. More road feel, the PS rack makes steering to numb for me. It's harder to park.

 

[NDgsx]

1. 1.8l rack

2. Too many turns lock to lock on the manual unit. It's fine for higher speed driving but I would never use it for autoX.

3. I'd remove all the lines, but have one rubber line connecting the input and output on the rack, with fluid in it.

4. Yes but it will be a lot harder to turn than the manual rack.

5. Yes

6. If it had fluid in it

7. Steering isn't incredibly light anymore, easier to drive at higher speeds. More road feel, the PS rack makes steering to numb for me. It's harder to park.

 

[SPEEDY]

Originally posted by 98TsiAWD
Remove the PS belt, done.

Besides giving you a workout, will this method cause any damage to the PS pump, or the steering rack in any way? Thanks!

 

[VRC Racing]

I just removed all of the power steering parts, pump, hoses, fluid, etc.
I just left the hose ends open on the rack.
The car drives fine, but it is a track only car. A little hard to steer driving around the pits. But, it's fine once moving down the track.

Just removing the belt and leaving the fluid in the rack makes the steering very stiff and nearly impossible to drive.

Russ Coxe
VRC Racing
www.vrcracing.com

 

[Roberto]

Yeah, I'm just gonna pull the pumps and stuff, leave to rack empty, and deal with it like that until I can find a rack out of a 1.8 liter 1st gen. Keep in mind I'm doing this swap ina 1st gen, but perhaps this same manual rack out of a 1.8 can be made to fit a 2nd gen. You could get a rack from a junkyard, try to make it fit, and sell it off to a 1st genner if it does not work out.

 

[BoostinAWD]

So there are no ill side effects to the car by draining the fluid and disconnecting the belt?

I had my power steering belt snap on the way to lake powell. I drove through winding canyons with all the fluid still in. And I didnt think nothing of it.

So if removing all the fluid makes steering easier, then I guess I will be doing this then.

Any hints on power gains?
5ponies maybe? My power steering pump o-rings are leaking all over and I don't feel like replacing them right now.

 

[BoostinAWD]

Hmm this got nowhere fast

 

[MNGSX]

Pull the belt, pump and cooler lines.

Use a section of hose on the rack to connect the two pipes together.

I'd use a T fitting with a cap or plugged T end.

Use that opening to bleed or burp the rack. Fill it up thru this hole and plug it. It will keep the guts air bubble free and lubed. This allows for the eaisest operation.