1979 Power Steering
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 27
Likes: 5
From: Longview, Texas
1979 Power Steering
I was told that I could just remove the belt from my leaky power steering and drive it like manual steering. Problem: I could not turn the steering wheel to get it out of the garage. I don't mean it was hard to turn, I mean I pulled so hard on the steering wheel that I was afraid the wheel would bend or break. Do I have to disconnect and/or remove the power assist cylinder too? I don't care about having power steering, I just want to be able to take my car out for a drive without spraying power steering fluid all over the place.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,895
Likes: 4,472
From: Virginia
You need to, at the very least, replace the power steering control valve with the Borgeson steering adapter.
With no fluid flow in the PSCV, it will destroy itself quickly. But you may have additional issues.
With my manual steering converted 80, I'm sure that the wheels are turning before trying to turn the steering wheel.
With no fluid flow in the PSCV, it will destroy itself quickly. But you may have additional issues.
With my manual steering converted 80, I'm sure that the wheels are turning before trying to turn the steering wheel.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,660
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I was told that I could just remove the belt from my leaky power steering and drive it like manual steering. Problem: I could not turn the steering wheel to get it out of the garage. I don't mean it was hard to turn, I mean I pulled so hard on the steering wheel that I was afraid the wheel would bend or break. Do I have to disconnect and/or remove the power assist cylinder too? I don't care about having power steering, I just want to be able to take my car out for a drive without spraying power steering fluid all over the place.
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
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More than once. When I have blown a line I just cut the belt to the pump so the pump won't run empty and burn out. A belt is cheaper than a new pump. Then I drive it home.
Lots of slop in the steering without pressure to the control valve. But you can drive it carefully. Enough to limp it home. But certainly no fun to drive with that much play in the steering.
Yes you need to be moving to steer. You can not turn those big wide tires when stopped still. Start moving then steer.
However, the grand plan to drive it everyday like this is not a good plan.
Get the drag link adapter as mentioned above if you wish to go manual steering.
Or simply repair your power steering so parking is easier.
Lots of slop in the steering without pressure to the control valve. But you can drive it carefully. Enough to limp it home. But certainly no fun to drive with that much play in the steering.
Yes you need to be moving to steer. You can not turn those big wide tires when stopped still. Start moving then steer.
However, the grand plan to drive it everyday like this is not a good plan.
Get the drag link adapter as mentioned above if you wish to go manual steering.
Or simply repair your power steering so parking is easier.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,002
Likes: 4,158
From: US-PNW
While my PS pulley was being repaired, I ran my '72 without the pump being driven by anything. The steering was extremely hard to move at a standstill; once rolling it was easier, but maneuvering at a stop or slow speed was a test of strength. I'm assuming it was due to manually pushing the fluid through the closed system.
To alleviate this condition, open the system to atmosphere and it should make steering much more similar to manual steering.
To alleviate this condition, open the system to atmosphere and it should make steering much more similar to manual steering.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,895
Likes: 4,472
From: Virginia
https://amzn.to/3VXm0P3 (Amazon link).
It replaces the PSCV, and basically converts a power steering drag link to manual. And you'll be half way to a Borgeson conversion, should you choose to do that.
When I converted to manual, I found a stock, rebuilt manual drag link and Pitman arm, and had @GTR1999 rebuild my stock steering box. My 79, with a Borgeson steering box, uses the 990002 adapter.
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