disable power steering
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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disable power steering
Hi. First post. I was wondering it the power steering can be disabled for some performance gains? This would be along the same lines as a disable switch for your alternator. Anyone know if this can be done on a vulcun? I'm not to worried about the steering, it can't be much harder than it was on the Mazda B2200s of the 80's.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 943
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From: Randolph, NJ
disable power steering
Welcome to FTE!
I've had a power steering fluid leak on an '89 Sable 3.0L. It became really tough to turn. Way harder than my buddy's '83 Porsche with non-power steering (which is a real pain at low speed). So first off, I wouldn't suggest it.
As far as being able to do it, I would think that you'd need to put some sort of a clutch in there so that you could stop the pulley from spinning the pump. On the alternator, you can remove the field so that it doesn't charge the battery, and the entire assembly effectively becomes an idler pulley, but still spins. On the PS pump, there is a direct mechanical connection (as far as I know) and you couldn't just clip a wire to stop it from turning.
I wouldn't even switch off the alternator as you'd be running down your battery. I don't know if there is a set of underdrive pulleys for our trucks out there, but that would probably be a safer bet. It's one of the first power mods most Mustang owners make.
-Jim
I've had a power steering fluid leak on an '89 Sable 3.0L. It became really tough to turn. Way harder than my buddy's '83 Porsche with non-power steering (which is a real pain at low speed). So first off, I wouldn't suggest it.
As far as being able to do it, I would think that you'd need to put some sort of a clutch in there so that you could stop the pulley from spinning the pump. On the alternator, you can remove the field so that it doesn't charge the battery, and the entire assembly effectively becomes an idler pulley, but still spins. On the PS pump, there is a direct mechanical connection (as far as I know) and you couldn't just clip a wire to stop it from turning.
I wouldn't even switch off the alternator as you'd be running down your battery. I don't know if there is a set of underdrive pulleys for our trucks out there, but that would probably be a safer bet. It's one of the first power mods most Mustang owners make.
-Jim
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Connecticut
disable power steering
Originally posted by PSKSAM2
Welcome to FTE!....I don't know if there is a set of underdrive pulleys for our trucks out there, but that would probably be a safer bet. It's one of the first power mods most Mustang owners make.
Welcome to FTE!....I don't know if there is a set of underdrive pulleys for our trucks out there, but that would probably be a safer bet. It's one of the first power mods most Mustang owners make.
P.S. Welcome to Ford Truck Enthusiasts!
Last edited by Rockledge; Aug 27, 2003 at 08:55 AM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,562
Likes: 4
From: South Jersey
disable power steering
The steering would be much harder than a vehicle without power steering because you would have the added resistance of pushing the fluid as well as turning the truck. In a safe place try putting it in neutral and shutting the engine off and see how hard it is to turn.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,978
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From: Alvin, Texas.
disable power steering
Originally posted by Ken00
The steering would be much harder than a vehicle without power steering because you would have the added resistance of pushing the fluid as well as turning the truck. In a safe place try putting it in neutral and shutting the engine off and see how hard it is to turn.
The steering would be much harder than a vehicle without power steering because you would have the added resistance of pushing the fluid as well as turning the truck. In a safe place try putting it in neutral and shutting the engine off and see how hard it is to turn.
Also, the gearing in a P/S-equipped truck is waaay different than that of the non-P/S trucks. That matters.
If you don't want P/S, find an XL model and swap gearboxes and yank off the pump.
FWIW, I've had a 69 VW Bug and a 93 Isuzu truck and they weren't bad at all without P/S in them. Even in tight spots. Maybe I can find an XL Ranger and swap those gears in and have P/S as well...
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disable power steering
I wish I had the ability to do that my self. Somewhere I read said PS sucked signigicant power (10hp) when active. I figured that without it the truck would do a little better coming out of the corners at least. My mom has a 88 B2200. Think I could swap parts with it? It wasn't a problem w/o PS. Do you know if the belt for the power steering is also used for the water pump in the vulcun engine?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,205
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From: Vancouver WA
disable power steering
For those that are contemplating this modification, have you ever driven a vehicle that has power steering without the power steering working? It is NOTHING like driving a vehicle that didn't come with P/S from the factory.
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Senior User
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disable power steering
Yah, that's what the guy said two posts above. Don't think anyone has disagreed.
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disable power steering
Originally posted by Hammy211
I wish I had the ability to do that my self. Somewhere I read said PS sucked signigicant power (10hp) when active. I figured that without it the truck would do a little better coming out of the corners at least. My mom has a 88 B2200. Think I could swap parts with it? It wasn't a problem w/o PS. Do you know if the belt for the power steering is also used for the water pump in the vulcun engine?
I wish I had the ability to do that my self. Somewhere I read said PS sucked signigicant power (10hp) when active. I figured that without it the truck would do a little better coming out of the corners at least. My mom has a 88 B2200. Think I could swap parts with it? It wasn't a problem w/o PS. Do you know if the belt for the power steering is also used for the water pump in the vulcun engine?
Dono
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