I read a few old threads about removing the power steering pump but keeping the power steering box, since apparently it has a better turning ratio, but would be harder to turn. Seems like it would only be trouble at lower speeds, like parallel parking.

How much drag does it free up from the engine?

Would be nice to clear out the the pump and all of those hydraulic lines, which are leaking like sieves right now.

Right on.

 

you should keep the pump... its only 5 pounds or less nothing more...

 

I had an old SE that I drove around with a blown PS Pump. It's not that bad. It doesn't save much weight, but the reduction in complexity is always a good thing...

 

I'm not talking about weight, more about drag on the engine....and complexity. I like to KISS.

 

I wanna do this also, but how can you loop the lines on the box? I wanna make a u pipe so the fluid can recirculate but the fittings seem to be metric and I dont wanna chop the hoses.

 

I think Iotus did this...you simply loop the line...I am going to drive it without the belt on for a while and see how it feels. Apparently it's harder to turn since the juice has to flow farther, through the pump and all.

 

MUCH harder to turn.

I used to bitch about my dad's 1969 ford 250, but now that thing seems like it has power steering to me!!

however I WOULD NEVER GO BACK to PS in my gsl-se.

I'll take pics of how i looped the line tonite.

~Geoff

 

So it's still pretty hard to turn without the line looped even? Yeah post some pics please, that would great man.

Right on.

 

I believe the main advantage is that there's fewer turns lock to lock.

Ugh... I gotta cut the belt on my Honda's PS pump... I'm getting too used to easy steering... It's the first car I've driven with power steering for two years... Need to keep those biceps in shape...

 

They are different size lines on the box though? WTF? Oh and Pele, your right, the ratio is quicker on ps boxes. GEOFF post the pics plz..................

 

The power steering boxes need fluid pressure to help keep them centered. When you disconnect the pump, you may find that your steering now seems sloppier, particularly in a straight line. I replaced the power steering box in my '74 RX4 with a manual unit from my '74 RX4 wagon that I used to have for parts. It only had 47K on it, so the box is really tight, as well as weighing a WHOLE LOT less. Kind of interesting that they put the manual box in the wagon, not the smaller coupe. Power steering, A/C, and stereos are the first things I yank out of my cars.