Anyone dis-connect power steering???

[cfg83]

kickflipjr -

Originally Posted by kickflipjr

I recommend you search the forums at www.saturnfans.com I heard that you need a different idler pulley or something if you change belts.

Thanks for the info. That's another important detail I would need to know.

CarloSW2

[Snax]

Yup, most likely you need to switch to a v-grooved tensioner vs. the smooth one it probably has now.

[cfg83]

theclencher -

Originally Posted by theclencher

Looks like that top tensioner could disappear altogether on your proposal.

Yes, but wouldn't I need a custom belt in that case?

CarloSW2

[Silveredwings]

Originally Posted by Snax

Yup, most likely you need to switch to a v-grooved tensioner vs. the smooth one it probably has now.

Why is that? I've seen smooth tensioners set up both ways.

[bzipitidoo]

We once drove 1000 miles with "Armstrong" steering in a '79 Ford Granada. That's about how far from home Las Vegas is, where the pump failed. Just put on a shorter belt. No problem driving on the highway. It's sharp turns at slow speeds that were a bit difficult.

That same trip, we also drove for about 100 miles without a functioning alternator, but as we were still 200 miles or so away when we realized the alternator had died, we couldn't make it, even with a charge. Service station charged $8 for that. So, swapped in a rebuilt alternator at an auto parts store when we were 25 miles away.

I'd heard some power steering equipped cars shouldn't be driven long distances with power steering disabled. Wish I could find the details on that again. May not fly during a safety inspection either.

[Snax]

Originally Posted by Silveredwings

Why is that? I've seen smooth tensioners set up both ways.

There may be belt wear issues associated with it, but I'm just guessing.

One thing worth pointing out here is that any car with a belt driven pump that has the pump disabled is going to be VERY difficult to steer at lower speeds in particular.

Assuming power steering removal is intended to be permanent and without going so far as to actually replace the rack with a suitable manual one, the best way to deal with that is to drain and disconnect the rack from the pump. (Connect the ends of the hoses together to provide a clean recirculating airpath.) Doing this will alieve the resistance that an inactive pump provides and make steering noticeably easier.

[cfg83]

Snax -

Originally Posted by Snax

There may be belt wear issues associated with it, but I'm just guessing.

One thing worth pointing out here is that any car with a belt driven pump that has the pump disabled is going to be VERY difficult to steer at lower speeds in particular.

Assuming power steering removal is intended to be permanent and without going so far as to actually replace the rack with a suitable manual one, the best way to deal with that is to drain and disconnect the rack from the pump. (Connect the ends of the hoses together to provide a clean recirculating airpath.) Doing this will alieve the resistance that an inactive pump provides and make steering noticeably easier.

Agreed. That is be one of my operating assumptions. An engaged pump could also cause or suffer damage to the steering, I think.

I don't have *proof*, but from what I can tell of my manuals, the rack and pinion component of my power steering is the same as the rack and pinion component of manual steering Saturns. Sooooo, done right, I could have "stock Saturn" manual steering.

CarloSW2

[VetteOwner]

accualy a PSU wouldnt seem to cause that much drag on a belt anyways,(least the ones ive messed with). take your current belt off and give the pump a good spin. it should stay spionning for a few seconds. that and u will find that it is easy to spin.