Power steering delete…

[A930Rocket]

So, after driving yesterday and today in the BMW 330 at Carolina Motorsports Park, without power steering, I’m thinking of making it a semi permanent change. The steering is heavier but it feels steady and less twitchy.

I have a small Momo steering wheel that I’ve had on every car for the last 30 years. That probably doesn’t help with the twitching or sawing the steering wheel back-and-forth sometimes. On the flipside, it doesn’t help, without power steering.

For the track, I would take off the power steering pulley and install the shorter belt. For the street, I would leave the pulley on and longer belt.

Is there any downside or possible damage to the power steering system, when I’m at the track without power steering? Would trying to steer with fluid in the system cause damage in some way?

[Alan A]

I’d think so long as it’s still circulating you would be fine.

I have a hydroboost on my upgraded TR and if it isn’t happy, it gets hot, starts cavitating and squealing like a mofo. A little while later it ruined the rack. Mechanic plumbed the catch tank wrong - had it fill from the top. Expensive mistake.

[masraum]

So your aren't talking a permanent delete? You're just talking about taking off the belt for the track.

I know that in the Miata world some folks Doo a permanent delete and that's a little more involved, but that's also including removing the pump and hoses.

[A930Rocket]

I’m going to see what it feels like around town without power steering. I don’t drive very much, but If it’s not unbearable, there’s a block off plate, with holes that work with The banjo bolts, that you install on the steering rack. This allows fluid to go back-and-forth and avoid air blowing out seals (I’ve read).

The best of both worlds is to remove the pulley and install the shorter belt for the track and have power steering for the rest of the time, provided it won’t damage the steering rack seals etc.

https://www.condorspeedshop.com/products/aluminum-power-steering-delete