Power Steering Conversion
 

I've searched for a topic on this, but I haven't been able to find one that states exactly what i'll need to add power steering to my '84 GS. all that I know is that to go from the stock manual steering to the stock power steering requires the replacement of the steering column. Apart from that, I'm pretty much clueless. If anyone could help me out, that's be awesome. I do have a few questions, though. First, is it possible to just add the necessary power steering accessories, and keep the manual column and run the 18.5:1 ratio, or do I have to convert my car entirely? Second, where would be the best/easiest/cheapest place to get the necessary parts? Thanks!

sorry man but i have no clue,... but does any one know if a car with no ps is drivable with 17x7 on the front?

The steering assist is done inside the steering box, so you have to replace your manual box with a P/S box. The way the boxes mate to the steering column is totally different so you'll need the P/S steering column as well. And of course you'll need the P/S pump/bracket/engine pulley as well as the zillions of lines. There's also a solenoid in there that bleeds off power assist at higher speeds so you'd either need to bypass that (meaning you have full power all of the time) or sort out how to control it.

Many people just put the power steering box and steeting column in and eliminate the pump. That way you get the faster ratio and you keep your steering feel. This, I gather, is the opposite of what you're looking for.

NO offence, but who the hell needs power steering on a first gen? Unless you have a V-8 in front, I see no need for it unless you plan on parallel parking constantly. Or if you live in a slow moving urban enviorment, which I could stand with a bridgeport. Heck, I can steer a power steering car with the belt off with no trouble. I took the belt off my 2nd gen SE when one of the idler lines had bursted and also picked up some acceration. Also I feel that way about the 1st gen one. Unless your steering wheel has a 5inch diameter, you shouldn't need it unless your a girl. Again, no offence if you are. Do some weight lifting and becides, you get more feed back and know how close you are too the limit of cornering by having no assist.

Heres a reason: How about to get rid of that nasty box steering that comes in 1st gens!

Huh?

I loved my old manual box. Light, tight, and direct, the way steering should be.

The P/S box has a faster ratio, which is nice, but it's kinda rubbery feeling, which is not so nice. Plus, as mentioned above, a car this light doesn't really need power steering. :) I might just yank the pump and live with it.

ALot of work
 

If you do this, make your life easier and pull the engine before beginning.

Only thing you can keep from your current steering system is the steering wheel, and thats only because you have a 81-85 Rex. The steering wheel mount on a 79-80 is different too.

Replace everything else from the steering column through the steering linkage from a donor car at a pick a part wrecking yard. Be sure and also grab the Power steering pump, hoses (should replace with new though), mounting bracket, and mounting nuts and bolts.

You might want to also grab the center belt pully. I can't remember if the ps pump shares one or has it's own dedicated rail.

And, why would you do this? Same reason mountain climbers climb mountains, if for no other reason. Because you can. :)

anyone have no ps and 7 inch wide rims on the front? and how is it working out....

Box steering is for pickup trucks .... I can handle no power steering, but the box type steering really sucks.

I was thinking of putting a power steering box on my autocross car without the pump unit (I just wanted the tighter box). I have read elsewhere that you can put the p/s unit in without the pump and the car is great in tuns on the track - its just hard to park.

So, you guys are saying that everything (the column and all) must be swapped out?

Is it all really that different?

Yes they really are that different. The manual box's inpus shaft actually goes most of the way up into the column, while the P/S arrangement is a more conventional setup.

I had no problems with the manual steering, zero-offset 13x7 wheels, and hot sticky 205/60s, while parking my car after some laps :)

So, Peejay, is there a steering box I could swap in that would give me a quicker steering response - without breaking the bank?

All depends on what you mean by response!

Either way you're looking at the stock manual box or the stock power box.

I have 15"x7" (195/50/15) on my 85 GSL-SE with no p/s. The wheels are also kind of heavy since I didn't know anything about unsprung weight at the time. Anyway, the car is difficult to steer but mostly, it feels kind of sloppy. People have mentioned here before that it is common for this type of steering to go "bad" and it is a pain to fix/tune since it is a real sorry design. When I check the steering, I can see the wheels move with the slightest movement of the steering wheel which makes me think the system is tight and responsive. I would really like to remove everything involved with the steering and suspension up front and replace or upgrade it. Rims gotta go too.

I don't remember it steering any better with the 14" rims on though. It's just makes the RX7 seem even worse after I get into my miata with 16"x7.5". Too bad there wasn't a conversion for that.

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So is it corret then that the PS "box" and all it's working parts is faster(quicker) lock to lock? With the pump used, you lose road feel but maintain the speed either way? I would be willing to give that a try if I find it in a J/Y in nice condition. I would also consider a full upgraded swap out from another vehicle though I really prefer to keep the car mostly original.

My MS car has had the box mod done and it's now tight as when new (most likely, I got it pretty tight). My other one has the PS and there was no slop to start with when I got it so no mod needed to be done.

As far as the feel: The MS is much better in terms of feeling the road. However...These cars suffer from "wonder steering". I wonder which way it's going to go next. The PS all but has eliminated the "fight" to keep the darned thing in the road. Overall, I much prefer the PS setup. All things considered.

I'm notagirl. I'm just old and tired...


jerij

Will a P/S box bolt up to the manual Linkage? Are the tie rods the same?

I wanna convert from the Manual to the power box without the pump.

I'm buying tie rods and control arms now though, so if I can't find a power box, I dont wanna have breand new useless parts lying around.

has no one tried a miata conversion?

I'm still waiting to see a rack and pin conversion.

HEY! my metro has no power steering...i just gotta do alot of moving to turn the thing...and really...the mustang has power steering adn i think i like no ps better than it on there