Power steering block off

[AL GReeNeRy]

new update from e30tech.com

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.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e19/ecpreston/powersteeringplugs.jpg

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]

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]

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]

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

[tjts1]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[Kilawin]

ahh were do you find these plugs. The M14x1.5 honda oil drain plugs work, but I am having the most difficult time locating the M16x1.5.:mad:

[tjts1]

Cut 2 pieces of 5/8" hose and stick them over the banjo bolts.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2289/2420169052_9aec772d3c_o.jpg
done

[Kilawin]

hmm...good idea. any leaks? assuming you left some fluid in there.

[tjts1]

No, you have to empty the rack of ATF. Leaving fluid in there is a bad idea. We are just trying to keep the dirt out.

[Kilawin]

Plugged my this morning thanks

[oldtimer]

I guess I went about it the hard way. I simply went to a junk yard and got some beat up lines and took the fitting and cut the nipple off where the hose is attach and weld that hole shut. Now I have the original hardware plugging the system. On the Dyno there's a 10hp gain.

[mkodama]

I guess I went about it the hard way. I simply went to a junk yard and got some beat up lines and took the fitting and cut the nipple off where the hose is attach and weld that hole shut. Now I have the original hardware plugging the system. On the Dyno there's a 10hp gain.

:eek:

Are you serious or is that a joke?

[Cobra Jet]

Can someone really describe the actual "feel" of driving a 318 w/o pwr steering? I mean, is the car unpredictable when on the highway if having to take an evasive manuever?

What about when trying to park in a crowded parking lot?

How much resistance is there when driving normally or making normal lane changes?

How long have you driven w/ no pwr steering?

For those who have done this "mod", is your vehicle daily driven and if so, what do you like or dislike about having no pwr steering?

Does driving w/ no pwr steering cause any additional wear/tear on front suspension components?

I'm not sure what a regular 318is weighs (coupe or 4 door), but according to the vehicle weight listed online for a 318ic (which I own), is around 3,000 lbs (which to me seems to be really light for a convertible). I'm just trying to get an idea if the pwr steering was "deleted" or say made inoperable like others have done w/ theirs, what the pros or cons would be to driving the vehicle. The vehicle is daily driven on highways @ speeds of 65mph+ w/ some sporadic traffic lights and/or stops.

Also, the comment about about "gaining 10hp on the dyno" - is this a true statement and was it on a real dyno or the "butt dyno"....

[nomad]

insert key in ignition and turn so that it just disengages the steering lock. Turn wheel.
Now let off the brake in an empty area with a slight downhill slope and turn wheel while car rolls forward.

Or just take off the PS belt and drive around. Reinstall when you determine if you don't like it.

[Cobra Jet]

insert key in ignition and turn so that it just disengages the steering lock. Turn wheel.
Now let off the brake in an empty area with a slight downhill slope and turn wheel while car rolls forward.

Or just take off the PS belt and drive around. Reinstall when you determine if you don't like it.

:D - smartass...

[nomad]

I was serious from your first three questions.
Everyone is different in what they like.
I'm going to do this soon.

[mkodama]

Can someone really describe the actual "feel" of driving a 318 w/o pwr steering? I mean, is the car unpredictable when on the highway if having to take an evasive manuever?

What about when trying to park in a crowded parking lot?

How much resistance is there when driving normally or making normal lane changes?

How long have you driven w/ no pwr steering?

For those who have done this "mod", is your vehicle daily driven and if so, what do you like or dislike about having no pwr steering?

Does driving w/ no pwr steering cause any additional wear/tear on front suspension components?

I'm not sure what a regular 318is weighs (coupe or 4 door), but according to the vehicle weight listed online for a 318ic (which I own), is around 3,000 lbs (which to me seems to be really light for a convertible). I'm just trying to get an idea if the pwr steering was "deleted" or say made inoperable like others have done w/ theirs, what the pros or cons would be to driving the vehicle. The vehicle is daily driven on highways @ speeds of 65mph+ w/ some sporadic traffic lights and/or stops.

Also, the comment about about "gaining 10hp on the dyno" - is this a true statement and was it on a real dyno or the "butt dyno"....

In general, the faster you are going, the lighter the steering is (unless you are driving a formula car with lots of aerodynamics). Parking lot speeds would probably be harder while freeway speeds wouldn't have a big difference.

There should be no additional amount of wear. A european only version of the 3 series had no power steering from the factory, but it also had a different gear ratio with like 7 turns lock to lock.

As for the 318is, the E30 2 door was listed around 2600lbs if I remember correctly. It is so light that it is just as fast as a 325i on a race track.

[xwill112x]

do u really feel the hp gain?
i really want more bottom end to tell the truth, i need power under 4000rpms (gas milage bby!)

would it really be worth the hp gains?

[tjts1]

Take the PS belt off and find out.

[xwill112x]

if i just remove the belt will it give me horse power?

[EN318isPDX]

if i just remove the belt will it give me horse power?

of course! anything belt driven takes HP and gas mileage

[Jorgeconrico]

I am thinking of removing the ps belt. Will this do any damage to the rack? I guess my question is that if i delete the belt do i need to do any other mods or will simply removing the ps belt suffice? Sorry in advance if this is a stupid question.

[DesktopDave]

I just pulled the belt. Significantly more resistance at low speed. Surprised me. It's not as proportional at speed either. Also, wife has informed me that she's not driving the car without it. I'm a bit disappointed. Yet...I'll be keeping it like this. I don't want her driving my car!

[tjts1]

Draining and capping off the rack with reduce resistance significantly. Get an E36 rack while you're at it.

[Jorgeconrico]

Yea my rack is shot, i've got crazy play in the steering wheel. I do like it w/o the ps, gives the car more of a direct feel. I just went ahead and removed the belt.

[tjts1]

Loose steering is probably worn out end links. If your rack is not leaking all it's juices in 100 miles chances are the rack is still fine. Jack up one front corner, grab the tire at 9 and 3 o'clock and jerk the tire back and fort. If you feel any play I would take a closer loot at the end links and control arms.
good luck

Justin

[Jorgeconrico]

I just replaced the tie rods, but to no avail. While i was changing them there was a small amount of ps fluid in the drivers side boot. I thought nothing of it because it was a small amount. I've got my m3 CABs and now i need to order some new control arms, hopefully that will do the job. The car does shutter while braking and i'm hoping new control arms will fix that too.

[tjts1]

Yep, mine did the brake shudder before I changed the control arms. The ball joint where the control arm meets the body of the car was totally trashed. I suppose it could also be warped rotors so who knows. Its hard to kill a steering rack though. Even if you run it completely dry which is what I've done for the last 2 years when ditched the PS. The thing is the E30 rack has 4 turns end to end vs 3.2 turns for even the cheapest most basic E36 rack. It makes a big difference. If you're going to go to the trouble of fixing the front suspension, you might as well get an E36 rack at this point. They are all over the JYs.

[max123]

I don't know about specific hp gain, but I was tired of dumping atf into a leaking rack, so I just cut the power steering belt until I can get the rack replaced. I would say that the their was a surprising power gain that I wasn't even expecting, the engine rev's up faster and feels lighter - I imagine it feels similar to having a lightened flywheel. Also, I was surprised by how easy it was to turn. At anything above 5 km/h the power steering does nothing. However, be warned that parallel parking requires a bit of muscle.

Final verdict - Even after I put in a new rack, I'm going to keep the power steering disconnected.

[Jorgeconrico]

I just removed the belt and i couldn't really feel a difference in hp, but I'm not going back to ps either.

[asmith88]

can this cause any damage, long or short term?

and do you guy reccomend just cutting the belt or blocking off the rack all together with or without fluid..

cheers andy

[doitover]

Definitely remove the pump. The steering effort improves significantly over just pulling the belt. I think you also get a little more road feel but that could be my wishful thinking.

can this cause any damage, long or short term?

and do you guy reccomend just cutting the belt or blocking off the rack all together with or without fluid..

cheers andy

[asmith88]

so block the rac off complaetley then? should i drain it or leave plenty of fluid in it?

can this cause damage?

[doitover]

you get two opinions, one, loop one side of the rack to the other and leave fluid in it. The other, just delete the hoses and either cap the ports or don't. I'm doing the no hose, no cap since I don't drive that much and I'll eventually get an e36 rack anyway.

so block the rac off complaetley then? should i drain it or leave plenty of fluid in it?

can this cause damage?

[DaveM-sport]

You need blank both ports the fluid inside the rack won't be able to circulate.

Running a PAS rack without the PAS feels horrible to be honest.


I'd just fit an E46 rack and be done with it:cool:

[monty23psk]

You need blank both ports the fluid inside the rack won't be able to circulate.

Running a PAS rack without the PAS feels horrible to be honest.


I'd just fit an E46 rack and be done with it:cool:

Does an e46 rack work? I know about the e36, not sure if it was a typo.