Ive had this infamous power steering problem of the pump failing and remained turned on for the past 1.5 years! When this happened a 1.5 years ago i found the fuse under the hood and took it out and has been driving the car since then without power steering. Kinda got use to it, just a little rough when trying to parallel park. My question is has anyone ever removed the pump permanently, as id got so used to it and don't really need it anymore. Does the pump whether working or not have to remain as a link in the system in order to turn the car? or can i just remove it permanently?

 

I'm kinda surprised others haven't looked into this much. With all the problems folks have had with the power steering pumps, I've also thought about the possibility of just removing it entirely, just so you don't ever have to worry about it again.

 

If you want to remove it, it won't hurt a thing you'll actually save some weight. You will have to loop the lines on the steering rack so you don't get crap in it and ruin it too.

 

^What he said. Either loop the lines or have it sent it out to be fully converted to manual. Maval Gear (http://www.mavalgear.com/) can convert a power rack to a full manual rack. Many in the RX7 community have used them for this purpose.

 

I sent a message to Maval asking if they would do a conversion for my 2003 S.

 

Miata owners also have bypassed the power steering system for better feel from a manual setup. Love the manual rack on my old '75 Scirocco.

Only thing I wonder about with eliminating the power steering from the Mini is if the steering column/joint/rack will hold up without power assist. The torque on the various rotating parts will be much greater in a manual-only mode and the parts may wear out faster. Guess someone will have to be the guinea pig for this project.

Eric

 

Below are links to pics of a simple PS Pump delete kit commonly used by e30 enthusiasts:

https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&i....1&disp=thd&zw

https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&i....2&disp=thd&zw

 

I've done a couple track sessions without power steering. You have great feel, but it is just too much work. The PS delete kit must include a hardware change to increase the steering ratio. This would also reduce the load on the steering column.

I don't see the pics in your links minsanity.

 

Hmm, just retried those linked pics. They still work.

 

The rest of us wouldn't be able to access them. They look like links in your gmail account. Why don't you make them attachments or upload to your gallery?

 

Dumb me. Thanks for pointing that out, really bad @ this. Try this link then:
http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=130389

 

Working now.

Is this delete "kit" compatible with MINI? Definately look
to this if my pump burns up again!

 

You may try reaching SILENCE over @ r3v. Not sure if e30/36 racks share same hole distances/sizes, but I know they've tried swapping their racks w/ that from r53s w/ great reviews on road feel. Bet they can customize for the r53 rack.

 

I just fired off an EMail to silence.

Never heard back from Maval.

 

Any updates on a simple power steering delete for the R53? I'm committed to wasting no more money on this faulty system.

 

Never heard back from silence either.

 

Damn. I would definitely be down for this if/when my pump goes. The kit sounds nice. I wouldn't be averse to just removing the pump like way said, if it won't affect wear, which I have heard in passing in the past.

 

Anyone got any reply from Silence? Sent an updated query. Hope he responds over here.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...130389&page=33

 

Posted the rack pics after I saw his reply If he needs more, I have the rack on my desk, 2 feet away.

 

Hey, Ghost, thanks! He'd need the exact distance between the input & output banjo bolts. Hope they're identical w/ the e30s.
From experience, a properly deleted system would take lesser steering effort than having a dead pump in.

 

After looking at it and reading a bit, it looks like some kits are just two plugs that blocks the holes.

Silence one is a spacer for the banjo bolts with a holes between both banjo so the oil and air can move back and forth. You could achieve the same thing by finding or making a U-shaped tube with fittings (a bit like brake lines fittings). I guess that finding those would be a pain in the *** tho. The block for the Minis would be a bit harder to make as the holes are offset. The one for the e30 is straight, so they make the bolt holes, then drill perpendicular ones and seal the ends.



Now I'm tempted to try it out as I already have to swap my rack anyway and the reman one is right... over here.

 

Thanks so much for your pics & insights on this Ghost. Addressed this to silence over at r3vlimited. To do 1, he'd have to get hold of a gen1 rack. The loop tube seems easier.
Please share us your updates should you execute the delete.

 

Silence needs a donor rack. Anyone got spare junk? Here's his reply:

Yes my delete will not work, but i know I can make something that will. I will need a rack to take measurements from. Do any of you have an old one you can send me? the cost would be similar to the e30 delete... possibly a fraction higher depending on the manufacturing process.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...=1#post4078973

 

Been corresponding w/ 'silence' of Condor Speed Shop & a possible steering rack donor. Stay tuned!!!!!!!!

 

No donor here, but very interested. Thank you for pursuing this option...