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!

 

[Gamble97]

a 1G rack will not work

some of the 1.8's (base model 1G) had manual steering

all 2G's came with power steering

How do we know the 1.8 will not fit a 2g? Has anyone ever tried?

Has anyone ever seen this technique used before to depower a steering rack? The link is for a Miata but I would assume most power racks are simialar in construction. This may be a better alternitive to just looping the lines. I have an extra steering rack sitting around that I will try to perform this on. Just wondering if anyone has seen this or have experence with rack modified like this.

Flyin' Miata : Tech: 1.8 conversion

Did you ever put this in the car?


Sorry to bump an old thread.

 

[matt98eclipse]

Im very interested in doing this since my 09 build wont have power steering anymore. I already have a 1.8 eclipse for a parts car so it will have everything.

Can someone take some pics of everything i would need to take off the 1.8.

 

[captainzib]

Just wanted to let you guys know that Autozone sells manual racks for about 380 bucks, minus MI 6% tax, and $65 core charge.

 

[Gamble97]

Yah great. But what about us 2g guys!!!!!!!!!!

 

[captainzib]

Thanks god for searching haha

Website you can use for the bracket: http://www.partsformitsubishi.com/

Part number: MB315178

Well, that was easy

So I ordered this part at the local dealership for 6 bucks, few days later, I'm told Mitsubishi no longer manufactures it and to come get a refund. Googling the part number returned a bunch of Russian car parts sites. Anyone have one they wanna sell me, or any other ideas on where to get one?

 

[Team Addiction]

I depowered my 1g rack basically the Miata mod style.
tore the whole thing aparts and cut out the ring/seal that pumps the fluid back and forth. Soldered the metal lines closed. and greased the holy crap out of everything and put it back together. Works so far?! Kinda annoying in parking lots and you can feel every bump in the road but its not too bad.

 

[a_ahmed]

well my ps/water pump/alternator whatever belt was on its way out dying and i noticed the ps going away.. i really liked the solid feel... it felt like its dissapearing or lightly assisted ... but this morningmy belt snapped (holy crap...) i replaced it with a brand new belt and car is fine thank God... I pulled over and got towed .... alot of money later... and it being fixed... now the steering is so light i hate it.... err this is my daily im getting bitten by the modding bug... i already have a track car.

Point of my post though other than being a guy who loves extremely modified cars is that i am going to get a custom built manual rack by atomic rex hopefully next year.

I organized a group buy from atomic rex and sent a sample rack... but all the cheapo 240sx owners didnt wana pay (initially there was 30+ interested)... when it came time to pay out no one wanted to ... 1000USD... but 2:1 or any rate you want... anything.... custom fully cnc'd weighing about 5-10lbs whole assembly.

Its already been done and enjoyed by rx7 guys... better feel/ease/quality (obviously full cnc'd) than their true depowered manual racks, than real oem manual racks they had, than unisteer manual racks that were custom and of course looped, cut stupid way power racks.

I am not sure if anyone on here would be interested in this either.... i was dissapointed by the lack of ultimate paying time interest with the 240sx community...

Just throwing it out there... atomic rex is the name, they are UK based and have racks made for alot of serious cars...