Swapping power steering to a manual rack sw20

Re: Swapping power steering to a manual rack sw20 (Groper)

Wed, 31 Aug 2016 16:01:02 GMT

Xez,
I believe the new Alfa Romeo 4C (mid engined, rear wheel drive) has manual rather than power assisted steering.
cheers
Steve

Re: Swapping power steering to a manual rack sw20 (5SGTE)

Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:29:29 GMT

I was referring to bypassing the pump altogether therefore removing the resistance it gives. I have heard you can loop the hydraulic lines at the rack to 'manualise' it.

Re: Swapping power steering to a manual rack sw20 (Rob)

Wed, 31 Aug 2016 09:15:13 GMT

I had my power steering relay go in my car and it drove like a tank compared to my non powersteering mr2

Re: Swapping power steering to a manual rack sw20 (Rob)

Wed, 31 Aug 2016 09:13:06 GMT

can people please be aware that turning off your power steering is nothing like a non powersteering MR2 the non powersteering rack is a lot thicker and the turning radius is different...

Re: Swapping power steering to a manual rack sw20 (P E T E)

Wed, 31 Aug 2016 09:05:19 GMT

You can turn off the power steering motor easy enough. Just unpin the PS pin (I think) on the cars ECU.
I did run the car for months like this. It was a pain in car parks & fine for normal driving - but it isn't the same as a non power steering setup as it'll be heavier. Your having to fight the electric motor. I have wondered if you could drain the power steering fluid and some other components to get it working non-assisted better. That way you don't lose the rack steering ratio.

Re: Swapping power steering to a manual rack sw20 (Eric)

Tue, 30 Aug 2016 21:15:56 GMT

I have power steering, much prefer it over the manual rack. The P/S turns off after 10-20kmh anyway and then becomes very similar to a manual rack.

My car runs 17's and a big brake kit. If i had manual steering it would be a pain in car parks due to the extra unsprung weight

Re: Swapping power steering to a manual rack sw20 (5SGTE)

Tue, 30 Aug 2016 20:10:55 GMT

Any thoughts on the power rack with the pump bypassed? Ie run as a non power set up?

Re: Swapping power steering to a manual rack sw20 (rikkir)

Tue, 30 Aug 2016 16:46:38 GMT

I love the feel of my car without power steering. If anything i'd like it a bit quicker though, even if it is heavier at low speeds.... I don't do much parking in Ceduna lol.

Re: Swapping power steering to a manual rack sw20 (mister2)

Tue, 30 Aug 2016 15:38:24 GMT

Photographic evidence of someone who has a reasonable alibi for needing power steering in an MR2:

Re: Swapping power steering to a manual rack sw20 (xez)

Tue, 30 Aug 2016 15:02:27 GMT

My first SW20 had PS, and all subsequent ones have been manual racks. The power steering is OK for what it is, but for pure driving feel, the manual rack has much more feedback and is definitely a more engaging experience.
If you keep your wheel size and suspension geometry to a reasonable level, and are aware of the "roll before steering" thing in carparks, it's just another little sports-car-owning thing that you get used to.
There may never be another unassisted steering system in a mass production car! (hopefully not, though) " />

Re: Swapping power steering to a manual rack sw20 (Rob)

Tue, 30 Aug 2016 15:02:04 GMT

im with you Mister2 I have 2 turbo sdub 1 with powersteering and 1 with out I would prefer they both didn't have power steering as it seem a lot for direct & IMO you get a better feeling on the road if that makes sense....same as my 1983 Porsche it to DOESNT HAVE POWERE STEERING....

Re: Swapping power steering to a manual rack sw20 (mister2)

Tue, 30 Aug 2016 14:03:23 GMT

Carmikey
mister2
For my money, the non-power steering is the best. " />

Totally disagree... once you have had Pwr steering in an sw20, there's no way you would prefer Non over pwr steer.
Even with the basic turning in carparks, out of drive ways etc, they can feel like little tanks at best of times.

Well, each to their own… even if your 'own' and my 'own' are clearly not the same.

Either way, it's still a fundamental law of the universe that non-power steering is better in a car as light as an SW20! Apparently, anyone who can't steer one around a carpark or driveway without power-assistance is just a pussy who needs to go to the gym more* " />

(*See page 57 of 'Cars for Whimps & Pussies', by R.U. Joeking)

EDIT: (I have also just found a quote from Arnold Schwarzenegger where he says, "Anyone who can't drive an MR2 without power-steering is a girly man.)

EDIT: Next two posts are obviously by beefy blokes who aren't afraid to show their MR2 who's boss.

Re: Swapping power steering to a manual rack sw20 (Carmikey)

Tue, 30 Aug 2016 13:28:08 GMT

mister2
For my money, the non-power steering is the best. " />

Totally disagree... once you have had Pwr steering in an sw20, there's no way you would prefer Non over pwr steer.
Even with the basic turning in carparks, out of drive ways etc, they can feel like little tanks at best of times.

Re: Swapping power steering to a manual rack sw20 (mister2)

Tue, 30 Aug 2016 10:22:44 GMT

For my money, the non-power steering is the best. If modern cars weren't so fat, all 'pure' sports cars would still have it… and car reviewers wouldn't have to constantly comment on how dead the steering feels while reminiscing about 'the good old days' when there was nothing between you and the front wheels but your hands. " />

Re: Swapping power steering to a manual rack sw20 (P E T E)

Tue, 30 Aug 2016 09:31:35 GMT

If its temperamental - check the power steering relay. Its common to give problems if the contacts are covered in rubbish from constant arcing.

The other thing you can check are the bushes in the electrical motor. These can be cheaply replaced if worn. Other than these 2 items most people find it quite reliable.

I'd personally keep it on if you can. The manual rack has a longer ratio, which means more steering turns lock to lock.