power steering

[jdm_inspired]

I had it both ways. In my honest opinion, I preferred it without the power steering. The driver has more control as far as feeling the turns. As for parallel parking, it can be a pain. Turning while in a complete stop is a pain as well.

The only reason why I am back to power steering is because of my header and lip. There are those unexpected speedbumps and potholes I try to avoid last minute. Out here there are some speedbumps that arent colored...aint that a b.i.?

It all goes down to what you use the car for.

[jdmwannabee]

correct me if i'm wrong. the proper way to remove your power steering is to remove all of the components and switch to a manual steering rack, because if you don't you'll damage the steering rack and won't be able to steer at all.

[bmxfelon420]

correct me if i'm wrong. the proper way to remove your power steering is to remove all of the components and switch to a manual steering rack, because if you don't you'll damage the steering rack and won't be able to steer at all.

I read that if you remove the pump and loop the input and output lines on the rack it basically eliminates any excess hydraulic resistance that you'd have. I would think that you would want to have a T in between so that it could bleed properly, but who knows, maybe it doesnt make a difference. Someone correct me if i'm wrong. Provided you leave the fluid in, it shouldnt have any problem since it's pretty much straight up mineral oil anyways.

[osofast]

There are trucks out there that weight more than an accord without power steering. Still not that hard to drive without ps. I do believe you still have to remove more than just a belt. On my 95 integra I had to replace my ps I drove around without the belt, and it sucked. I didn't think it was that hard to drive, but it sucked. I used to drive a civic that didn't come with ps from the factory. So I would keep ps.

[johnl]

and i think its rough on the tie rods.

PS or no PS the loads on the tie rods and rod ends etc are the exactly same. With PS disabled the loads on the rack gear teeth and pinion teeth are increased.

[johnl]

I read that if you remove the pump and loop the input and output lines on the rack it basically eliminates any excess hydraulic resistance that you'd have. I would think that you would want to have a T in between so that it could bleed properly, but who knows, maybe it doesnt make a difference. Someone correct me if i'm wrong. Provided you leave the fluid in, it shouldnt have any problem since it's pretty much straight up mineral oil anyways.

I can only speak for what I found with my car:
Before I removed the PS belt, with the front wheels jacked off the ground and with the engine not running (and therefore the PS pump not running) it's easy to turn the steering wheel as fast as I can in either direction. There is only the slightest hint of hydraulic resistance when suddenly turning the steering one way then the other way as fast as I can.

If you can do this without experiencing significant hydraulic resistance, then I can't see any need to 'loop' the lines, it should be fine as is and only the belt removed. Taking the belt off is exactly the same circumstance (as far as the steering 'knows') as the engine not running, so if the hydraulic resistance is low or non-existant with the engine not running, then it will be the same with the belt removed.

On the other hand if (with belt off, or belt on and engine off, and front wheels jacked) the hydraulic resistance is significant then the lines will need to be 'looped' (i.e. provide a path for fluid to transfer easily from one side of the rack piston to the other side in order to keep pressure equal on each side of the piston, that also includes a means for internal pressure to equalise with atmospheric).

If the pump and reseviour etc are removed and the lines just blanked off, then it's likely that you might create hydraulic resistance because the pathways through which fluid might easily find it's way from one side of the rack piston to the other could be closed off.

With the help of gravity the unpumped fluid will find the lowest point in the system, which happens to be in the rack. So, I can't see any lube problems from not having fluid being actively pumped through the system.

[johnl]

There are trucks out there that weight more than an accord without power steering.

Those trucks will have a lot more steering turns lock to lock and large steering wheels, i.e. a lot of leverage in the steering system. If you want fewer turns lock to lock without the steering becoming heavier then PS is required.

Wider tyres and lower psi make steering heavier, so higher psi can lighten steering when PS is disabled (or not disabled).

[be3p067]

My power steering's never worked. If you've got the stock wheel and learned to palm the wheel, it's never a big deal. I actually find it much easier to palm the wheel when driving hard. But becareful I've heard if you drain the system then you could blow the rack and pinion. I've never had fluid in the system, so far nothing bad has happened. It all depends on what you prefer I guess.

[marquisdee1018]

When I got my cb7 it didn't have the power steering belt on it. I've never bothered to put one on. I like the way the car feels.