RicanmiataRacer

Well I've decided to make like a lil easier and remove both power steering and ac pumps so that way plumbing the ac will be easier, I notice there is only one belt running both the ac and ps If I were to remove the ps I would haft to remove the ac as well correct?

kotomile

iTrader: (24)

No, you'd just have to source the right sized belt.

But if you're going to ditch both just wait until you're ready to take both out and save yourself the expense of the extra belt.

Rage_Kage

if your going to remove the PS pump you may want to source a manual steering rack pretty quick. Because without the pump the PS rack will be under mucho stress and eventually wear out.

kotomile

iTrader: (24)

Lots of people "de-power" power racks or just loop the lines, it's more effort for the driver, but I've never heard of a power rack wearing out from lack of PS pump.

RicanmiataRacer

I want to remove the power steering and ac completely, so Im going to need a manual steering rack?

miatamania

iTrader: (9)

You can just depower the rack..I think FM has something on their website about it..

Rage_Kage

if you remove the PS pump but leave the rack it will cause a ****-load more stress on the rack than it is designed for. a manual steering rack is designed to have no assistance therefore no extra stress so no extra risk.

Rage_Kage

oh and when you remove the ac can you take some pics. because i want to do the same but i dont want to **** anything up.

cjernigan

iTrader: (13)

This will make life easier.
http://www.flyinmiata.com/tech/depower.php
I currently have my accesory belt off, A/C and PS belt. The powersteering is really unacceptable but drivable like that. I'll be putting my belt back on tomorrow, I just wanted to try it. I might depower someday though.

kotomile

iTrader: (24)

I'm pretty sure the only extra stress is on the driver's arms as he tries to crank the wheel while stopped Seriously though, I've never heard of anyone whose power rack failed from being de-powered. Have you?

Miatamania - FM's procedure is the one I meant, it's a great write-up too.

RicanmiataRacer

crank the wheel while stopped?

cjernigan

iTrader: (13)

While stopped or moving under 5 mph the steering is very heavy because the PS is turning the wheels for you, it's armstrong power doing it all. Like coming out or while parallel parking is one good example where it will be more difficult.

RicanmiataRacer

wOw looks like alot of work to de-power the ps ....Im just going to leave it be, Im pretty sure I can work 2.5 Ic piping with the ic and ps

cjernigan

iTrader: (13)

hell yes you can, it'll take a little more piping but not that much. It is a ton of work though.
People seem to have alot of success just connecting the PS lines together to make a loop though. Getting rid of the pump relieves alot of pressure in the system and makes it livable. I personally want to keep the PS, it's kind of nice.

kotomile

iTrader: (24)

I'm gonna get rid of it for the weight, parasitic losses, and because I've heard only rave reviews of Miatas with de-powered power racks, it's said that the feedback is greatly improved.

miatamania

iTrader: (9)

anything gained (other than weight loss) by just removing the ac? ie: space?

I don't know where any of the components are for the AC

kotomile

iTrader: (24)

a little bit of power due to not spinning the compressor, but not much, mainly the weight and added space under the hood. Also, the radiator can breathe a little easier without the condenser in the way.

Savington

iTrader: (31)

I pulled my A/C and looped the PS lines about three weeks ago. I hated my steering when it was just a removed belt, but ditching the fluid and the pump made a huge difference. I love my steering now, and so does everyone else who has driven my car.

The A/C is the big weight loser. 5lbs for the box under the dash, 5lb for the condensor, 15+ for the pump, and 5lbs for that damn bracket.

As far as wear on the rack, I have never heard of that, and dozens of people have depowered racks. I left a little tiny bit of fluid in the rack to keep it lubricated (basically got as much out as I could, because the small amount left will lube it).

adbradley

iTrader: (2)

sweet, im glad you guys brought this up... i hadnt researched it at all, i was just going to swap in a manual rack.. Thanx for the FM link, and info, i will be doing this mod soon!

akaryrye

iTrader: (5)

I depowered mine a while ago and its just fine. I actually like the steering way better. Basically what I did was this:

1. take off the drain plug and put a catch underneath.
2. remove the pump and tubing and put it somewhere where you dont mind a mess because it will leak fluid for awhile.
3. I looped the line after most of the fluid leaked out.

The little bit of fluid left helps lubricate and keeps the seals intact for if you ever want to repower the rack. Low speed is not as big of a deal as people make it out to be, but driving aggressively takes a bit more work now.

edit ... i dont see where all this concern for the rack breaking is coming from ??? I researched it a bit before i did the job and found no instance of anybodys rack breaking due to this.