Question for those that gone power to manual steering

[FreedS4]

Early last year I took out my power steering pump and lines and capped the holes on the power steering rack. I prefer the feel of manual rack over that of having power steering. Recently, I've started having an issue where the car will pull in whatever direction I've previously made. For those of you that have done the same thing to your power steering rack, have you had this same issue? Thanks in advance.

[jlevie]

I've never experienced taht after a power steering delete, but then I never cap the rack. I always connect both of the reservoir hoses to the rack to keep fluid in the rack and allow room for expansion.

That said, it sounds to me like the upper strut mounts are binding.

[FreedS4]

I've never experienced taht after a power steering delete, but then I never cap the rack. I always connect both of the reservoir hoses to the rack to keep fluid in the rack and allow room for expansion.

That said, it sounds to me like the upper strut mounts are binding.

I figured the same thing, but I figured I'd through the question out there. Thanks for all of your help, as always.

Chris

[Holland]

Ok, legitimate question. Are E30, 36, and Z3 racks sealed units, or do they actually require fluid? I hear different answers on this forum.

[jlevie]

Any steering rack or box requires lubrication. The power steering fluid satisfies that requirement when the system is used as designed. If you delete the power steering pump you have to have at least some fluid in the rack.

[InfiniteDice]

Without the power steering if there are any subtle problems with your alignment it will be more apparent. The power steering helps keep the rack neutral. Hopefully you filled the rack and capped it off so no dirt is getting in.

You most likely need a toe alignment.

[gearheadE30]

Binding upper strut mounts will do this. If they are really bad, they will make a creaking or clicking noise as you crank the steering wheel over. It'll be most noticeable if you aren't moving or are going slow with lots of steering input.

The rack could possibly cause it through a bad alignment.....maybe you hit a pothole or something somewhere and it knocked it out a little?