Power Steering Removal
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 12
From: MN
My power steering belt fell off today and I kind of liked driving with out it. So I was wondering what is the best way to remove it? Should I get a manual rack or can I just use the one that is on there right now. If the manual rack is the best way to go, where can I get one for an 86 GXL?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,775
From: Ames, IA
If you don't get a manual rack, you can just take out the PS pump, lines, and computer, and then loop the lines on the steering rack. Just make sure to do it right or you'll pop the seal on the rack, and that's no fun.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 421
From: Fort Worth, Texas
Driving with a true manual rack is actually even nicer than driving with the P/S one without the belt. I have had both.
I removed the pump and exchanged the rack myself. It was tough but worth it. I like the way it drives and I do not have to **** around with the leaks anymore.
Mazdatrix sells them but they are expensive. I got one from my local shop for far less, it was used but far less. Just got to look around. I am sure someone around here knows.
If you are going to do the exchange yourself, allow for good time. You have to remove the front anti-sway bar to get the rack off and even then it has to be fanagled out. Not tough just need time.
I removed the pump and exchanged the rack myself. It was tough but worth it. I like the way it drives and I do not have to **** around with the leaks anymore.
Mazdatrix sells them but they are expensive. I got one from my local shop for far less, it was used but far less. Just got to look around. I am sure someone around here knows.
If you are going to do the exchange yourself, allow for good time. You have to remove the front anti-sway bar to get the rack off and even then it has to be fanagled out. Not tough just need time.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,775
From: Ames, IA
Originally Posted by gazellis' date='Mar 8 2004, 03:10 PM
Driving with a true manual rack is actually even nicer than driving with the P/S one without the belt. I have had both.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 344
From: Louisville KY 40299
Driving with the belt off is a LOT hard than driving with it all removed and done right.
I pulled my pump/lines and then drained most ( but not all. You need some fluid in there to keep it lubricated ) of the PS fluid and plugged it back up. Been that way for almost a year now.
I pulled my pump/lines and then drained most ( but not all. You need some fluid in there to keep it lubricated ) of the PS fluid and plugged it back up. Been that way for almost a year now.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,591
From: Miami, Florida
m friends car has power steering and his steering is super loose all the time like you are going 80 and the wheel in you look at wrong the car wants to loose control is ther any way to adjust it so it is not so loose all the time? I once read that there is a way to adjust the computer so its tighter?
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,502
From: Canada
Originally Posted by UniqueTII' date='Mar 8 2004, 01:35 PM
I agree. My opinion may not count since my PS rack got fuxxored when I looped the lines, but even at its easiest, a manual rack is much easier. My sport has one and the TII I'm hoping to get soon also has one. Win.
Right now I'm trying to figure out if I should loop lines or just block them off entirely..
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,775
From: Ames, IA
I think it's because:
The same thing will happen if you just cap them and there's fluid in there.
Originally Posted by UniqueTII' date='Mar 8 2004, 02:28 PM
If you don't get a manual rack, you can just take out the PS pump, lines, and computer, and then loop the lines on the steering rack. Just make sure to do it right or you'll pop the seal on the rack, and that's no fun.
The same thing will happen if you just cap them and there's fluid in there.