Author Topic: Power steering block off (Read 15163 times)

AL GReeNeRy · « **on:** May 31, 2007, 02:11:13 AM »

new update from e30tech.com

Quote from: ecpreston

and back from the dead......

Just blocked off the rack in my newer 318i. Just FYI, if you happen to be looking for the correct fittings to do this, they aren't real easy to come by locally. I wasn't able to find these before, but after 4 hardware stores, I found the perfect thing yesterday! What you're looking for is a M14 and M16, 1.5 thread pitch "pipe plug". You can order from places online I've seen as well. Then you don't have to harvest the PS hoses, loop them, and all that.

And just as a test for those who think the rack needs to be looped-- with the car in the air, I turned the wheel lock to lock a couple times with the rack completely open, and then compared once I put in the plugs. No difference. And it's been at least 4 years now with the first 318 I did this to. It hasn't harmed the rack or anything, and it hasn't leaked a bit.

gearheadE30 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 31, 2007, 05:01:09 PM »

Thats interesting, although everything else I have heard says that you have to loop it for it to be practical around town. Otherwise, looks like a great (cheap!!!) mod.

AL GReeNeRy · « **Reply #2 on:** June 01, 2007, 09:01:01 AM »

looping it does the same thing.. the guy who did this said before plugging it, turn the rack lock to lock a couple times to bleed some of the excess fluid out so pressure doesnt build up in it.. makes sense and hes ran it for a while now..

ecpreston · « **Reply #3 on:** June 01, 2007, 09:53:06 AM »

pssh, no he hasn't. these are lies.

tjts1 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 01, 2007, 10:56:06 AM »

Excellent info. I'm about to eliminate my PS pump as well. But I still have one lingering question. Do you leave the rack filled or empty of ATF? I've heard people swear by both.
Thanks

hoevesruperd · « **Reply #5 on:** March 27, 2008, 07:27:48 AM »

sorry to bump this one but how many ''M14 and M16, 1.5 thread pitch pipe plug'' are necessary for the complete seal mod ? and which is that online store where i could get them ?
thanks

Cobra Jet · « **Reply #6 on:** March 27, 2008, 09:08:38 AM »

other questions -

by deleting the PS on a 318 - what are the pros/cons of doing this?

I do realize by deleting any PS pump or front accessory you are gaining some parasitic HP by doing so, but as far as daily driving the vehicle, if the rack is now a "manual" rack, how does this affect driving (both highway, driving slowly through parking lots & parking)? Does this "mod" make the steering wheel extremely hard to turn lock to lock? How about if needing to perform an evasive maneuver while out cruising on the highway, is the vehicle still just as responsive w/ the rack now being "manual"?

Do you just remove the PS unit and PS belt completely, then plug up the rack?

hoevesruperd · « **Reply #7 on:** March 27, 2008, 09:21:23 AM »

i have deleted the belt for now, the pump and lines are still there but there is no pressure.
driving around is just as comfortable as soon as the wheels are moving, it is pretty easy to steer. only big difference is when the car is stopped and you need to turn the wheels. i.e. parallel parking and such

it will also vary with the type of tires, wheel size you have

the feeling of driving without it is, i think, better. you feel more involved in the driving. its not harder or more dangerous to drive around, either in wavy streets or on the highway. i would not go back to PS.

gearheadE30 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 27, 2008, 04:39:34 PM »

I also have no PS along with an e36 3.2 turn rack. When I first drove it, above 10 mph the steering felt exactly the same in a straight or reletively straight line as with power steering and the e30 rack. At a larger steering angle, the effort is higher than normal but you can feel everything taht the car is telling you. Now (a few months later) I can't even tell a difference unless the car is completely stock. If your steering isn't this easy with no PS, I'd check the upper strut bearings. I have not deleted anything yet, just the belt.

Cobra Jet · « **Reply #9 on:** April 04, 2008, 12:08:43 PM »

Is it true that some of the Euro 318's did not come w/ power steering when new? If so, what was the rack's steering ratio when compared to that of a 318 w/ factory pwr rack?

nomad · « **Reply #10 on:** April 10, 2008, 01:00:01 PM »

I'm interested as well. It may be fine for my use to can the PS as it just leaks everywhere anyhow. If I 'need' to connect it again I can invest in hoses and reservoir etc.

Would any other rack be better for manual or is ours geared better, making it easier to steer?

gearheadE30 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 10, 2008, 08:36:14 PM »

There was a factory one, but the ratio was very, very slow. The stock one is fine as far as effors, and so is the e36 one.

hoevesruperd · « **Reply #12 on:** April 10, 2008, 09:23:26 PM »

Quote from: Cobra Jet;46129

Is it true that some of the Euro 318's did not come w/ power steering when new? If so, what was the rack's steering ratio when compared to that of a 318 w/ factory pwr rack?

i dont know about euros, but apparently in south africa you had to choose between powersteering and A/C

keflaman · « **Reply #13 on:** April 11, 2008, 03:42:44 PM »

Quote from: Cobra Jet;46129

Is it true that some of the Euro 318's did not come w/ power steering when new? If so, what was the rack's steering ratio when compared to that of a 318 w/ factory pwr rack?

I have an 09/89 Euro 318is. OEM manual steering is about 4.7 turns LTL.

Yes, you read right, 4.7:eek:

mkodama · « **Reply #14 on:** April 15, 2008, 05:19:01 PM »

I've also read that the steering is easier with the holes plugged and the power steering pump completely removed. Supposedly with just the belt removed, the fluid still has to circulate through the pump and encounters resistance.