Removing Power Steering?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Removing Power Steering?
So I'm at the point in the car where I've finished up doing the rear end and have now moved out to swapping out the front suspension components.
I've gotten 3 of the 4 A-arms out already, with the exception of the lower A-arm on the driver's side. I'm getting ready to attack the last A-arm tonight, and the only way I can see to get the nut off is to remove the power steering pump... Is that correct?
Secondly, the powersteering pump has a leak that developed under previous ownership which I did not realize until I had driven around 500 miles with the pump effectively dry. With the leak repaired, pump topped off, and the power steering "working", I really didn't notice a major difference. Would there be anything wrong with pulling the original power assist and driving with manual steering for awhile until I get the itch for a Steeroids system?
If so, what can I take out while I'm tearing apart the front end?
I've gotten 3 of the 4 A-arms out already, with the exception of the lower A-arm on the driver's side. I'm getting ready to attack the last A-arm tonight, and the only way I can see to get the nut off is to remove the power steering pump... Is that correct?
Secondly, the powersteering pump has a leak that developed under previous ownership which I did not realize until I had driven around 500 miles with the pump effectively dry. With the leak repaired, pump topped off, and the power steering "working", I really didn't notice a major difference. Would there be anything wrong with pulling the original power assist and driving with manual steering for awhile until I get the itch for a Steeroids system?
If so, what can I take out while I'm tearing apart the front end?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
I had already converted from PoS to manual when I did the CA's on my '78, so can't speak directly to it being necessary to pull the pump, tho I suspect it is.
It is entirely possible to drive for a short while with no pump (as I did to get home after cutting the belt upon mine trying to off me a second time), but I'd consider that a very temporary solution unless you follow thru with a manual drag link (aka, steering relay) and pitman. I'd also suggest moving your outer tie-rods from the forward quick steering position in the knuckles to increase leverage at parking lot speeds.
TSW
It is entirely possible to drive for a short while with no pump (as I did to get home after cutting the belt upon mine trying to off me a second time), but I'd consider that a very temporary solution unless you follow thru with a manual drag link (aka, steering relay) and pitman. I'd also suggest moving your outer tie-rods from the forward quick steering position in the knuckles to increase leverage at parking lot speeds.
TSW
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
I don't think you will like the way the car handles without the ps. Not because it is harder to steer, but because you are still using the the control valve in the system.
Without the pump, the control valve is lifeless and adds a distasteful amount of play to the system. It can be driven like this but, as previously stated, you will want it to be temporary.
Without the pump, the control valve is lifeless and adds a distasteful amount of play to the system. It can be driven like this but, as previously stated, you will want it to be temporary.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,687
Likes: 3,139
From: Shamong, NJ
63-82 Corvettes used the same steering box, with or without power assist, so there should be no problem removing the PS. I would remove everything though, the pump, slave cylinder and control valve. If you do remove it, you may want to concider replacing the center link and pitman arm from a non power car, as they are different.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 20
From: The only Corvettes in Highett Victoria
Borgeson integral power steering box.
sokaloka,
Have a look at the modern integral power box from Borgeson Universal Co., www.borgeson.com, and see what you think. I have just fitted one to my '74 original PS car, and it makes the world of difference. You replace the control valve with a Drag Link Adapter, buy a two-hose kit to link your original pump to the new box, and connect the box to the steering shaft with a new rag joint.
You get rid of the old manual box and rag joint, the control valve, the power ram and four hoses that hang under the engine.
The whole kit should cost you under a grand and will put 21st. century steering into your car.
Rgeards from Down Under
aussiejohn
(currently in San Francisco)
Have a look at the modern integral power box from Borgeson Universal Co., www.borgeson.com, and see what you think. I have just fitted one to my '74 original PS car, and it makes the world of difference. You replace the control valve with a Drag Link Adapter, buy a two-hose kit to link your original pump to the new box, and connect the box to the steering shaft with a new rag joint.
You get rid of the old manual box and rag joint, the control valve, the power ram and four hoses that hang under the engine.
The whole kit should cost you under a grand and will put 21st. century steering into your car.
Rgeards from Down Under
aussiejohn
(currently in San Francisco)
