P/S Dragged
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 799
Likes: 26
From: Lexington Park Maryland
P/S Dragged
How much does the P/S dragged of HP? I experienced a P/S leak from one of the hose during a local midweek cruise, so instead of continueing to drive it that way and spray fluid all over. I cut the belt on the way home, to my surprise the car had a better throttle response and launch better from the stop.
Hence I decided to fix the leak and leave the belt out.
Hence I decided to fix the leak and leave the belt out.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 43
From: San Antonio TX
You'd have to be a full lock and holding full lock to put a noticeable load on the engine. And even then, it's not something you'd notice except at idle and with a loose belt squeal. With the wheels straight ahead, there's very little load coming from the pump. I think your perception is being clouded by your expectation.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
The typical hydraulic power steering system is open center. That means when there are no steering wheel inputs, the fluid flows freely from the pump, down through the control valve and back to the pump reservoir. This may result in about 50 psi of backpressure that the pump has to work against. As I recall, this translates to less than 1/4 horsepower. For a vehicle with 180 HP at the flywheel that would translate to .13%.
Now when you are stopped and turning the steering wheel, you may be requiring the pump to produce 1100 psi to turn the front wheels. This obviously translates to several HP. I just don't have that actual figure.
Jim
Now when you are stopped and turning the steering wheel, you may be requiring the pump to produce 1100 psi to turn the front wheels. This obviously translates to several HP. I just don't have that actual figure.
Jim
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 113
From: Michigan
I've always herd a tenth(10hp +/-) in the 1/4 mile and a 10 sec guy in the c4 forum track confirmed it. If your engine is mostly stock it might feel decent because it's a higher percentage gain. Could be more if the pump is less efficient than normal or failing.
They make an adapter to convert power to non, it's on my car but I forget the brand atm. Most my vehicles have not had power or I've taken it off and it's not hard to drive w/o it, just gotta make sure your rolling a lil before you turn the wheels or use smaller front tires.
They make an adapter to convert power to non, it's on my car but I forget the brand atm. Most my vehicles have not had power or I've taken it off and it's not hard to drive w/o it, just gotta make sure your rolling a lil before you turn the wheels or use smaller front tires.
