Convert power to non-power steering

franjae · Postby **franjae** » Mon Jul 28, 2008 11:07 pm

I heard this can be carried out on an NA. Can somebody confirm this? Apparently there is a bracket with an adjustable pulley that you can buy from the States, but I can't figure out how something like this can convert your car. i would have thought the power and non power steering system has different racks, etc. Would the feel be different than say a Clubman once converted? Is this part available here? Cheers!

Alf · Postby **Alf** » Mon Jul 28, 2008 11:13 pm

This from miata.net http://www.miata.net/garage/pwr_to_manual.html

Looks like you need a manual rack.

Cheers,
Alf

GP · Postby GP » Tue Jul 29, 2008 1:05 pm

The question I have is why? :shock:

Steampunk · Postby **Steampunk** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 1:59 pm

stupid comment time; (and yes, I read the article in Alf's link)
is it not just a matter of simply buying a different size (shorter) belt to join the AC compressor and crank pulley together? eliminating power to the PS pump? :roll:

franjae · Postby **franjae** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 3:28 pm

So maybe it is not a matter of bypassing the ps pump, you need to replace the rack. I'm sure the two racks are different, hence why.

I've not come across anyone who had done it here, but I wondered if it was easy mod. I personally wouldn't.

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 3:54 pm

The racks are different. The manual rack is lower ratio - more turns lock to lock.

But whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy :?:

Fatty · Postby **Fatty** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 5:30 pm

as jbt said the power rack has a higher ratio. apparently a lot of the racers in the usa put the power racks in their cars sans pump etc , or if already fitted, they de-power it by removing all the unnecasary bits. fine in a a race car but for a daily driver the steering would be a bit heavier. probably not unmanageable tho, if you're really keen on the whole "adding lightness" thing.

Sheck · Postby **Sheck** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 5:47 pm

i ran a de-powered power steering rack. I loved it, the power steering was wayyy to light for me. My house mate that usually drives an excel seemed fine with it, only problems may be present at car parking speeds (not the speed you travel through the car park but, at which you park).

I didnt do it 100% properly more like 80%, i cut all the power steer lines at/close to the threads and 'pumped' out all the fluid that would be pumped out, then tried my best to put grease in there managed to get a descent amount in then 'pumed' it out again by turning the steering hard, lock to lock, with the front wheels in the air. A little of the grease came out and hey presto you've depowered your rack.

Weight removed wasn't much, so that thought would be for the die hards, more 'feel' in the steering well maybe but thats been talked to death. I did it cause i didnt like the lightness of the power steering, plus i think the seals were going because at times it seemed like i was pushing the fluid through the pump and rack which was very hard.

Dave

Fatty · Postby **Fatty** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 5:56 pm

cool sheck ... yeah i thought i remembered someone around here had mentioned previously that they'd done it. from what you're describing, doesn't sound to hard to live with at all. my first car was a HQ kingswood wagon with heavy mag wheels and fat rubber. the manual steering on that beast was very heavy , i managed it ok so i reckon i could live with what you're describing...

franjae · Postby **franjae** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 11:03 pm

Thanks guys, you have enlightened me!

bruce · Postby **bruce** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 12:54 pm

Kula did a step-by-step pictorial tutorial in a recent Autosalon magazine. I've got the mag at home but have no clue with scanners.

Matty · Postby **Matty** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 1:42 pm

If you want to go ahead and depower the rack, I think I still have the A/C idler puller/tensioner/bracket from when I went the other way...

GS · Postby GS » Thu Jul 31, 2008 11:56 am

I just came across this if its any help??

http://www.flyinmiata.com/tech/depower.php

irwin83r · Postby **irwin83r** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 2:12 pm

sweet.
when i get the garage back i might give this one a wurl

Keith · Postby **Keith** » Sun Aug 03, 2008 4:21 pm

I wouldnt be too worried about "heavier" steering.!!! I just bought an Na with manual steering 2.8 turns lock to lock after having dríven TR2s & 3As all my life. Light as a feather compared to the worm and peg TR!! I dont like the 2.8 turns- Im used to 2 1/4 turns lock to lock so I might convert a power steering to a manual if that reduces the turns lock to lock.