1997 S10 power steering removal

[kir_kenix]

Finally got around to ripping the power steering pump out of my s-10. Have not driven the little beast much, as I had the tranny tore out of it for a few months. Got her rolling and tuned up again, but the gearbox is garbage and causing a lot of wondering on the highway. My thought is that all of this wandering caused my PS pump to work extra hard (overheat?) as I was constantly correcting left to right on the highway. Pump blew out yesterday on my way home, shredding the belt.

For anyone who is interested, with AC removed and routed around the aftermarket pulley assembly, a 4" shorter pulley is required for the re-route. I think it was a 72" belt with 6 ribs. Super easy job, as the PS pump is only retained by 4 bolts, and it only took me about 10 minutes to remove, loop the PS lines, and install the new belt once I roughly measured for the new belt.

Still need a manual gearbox, but it obviously frees up a bit of power. Additionally, there is a lot less wandering on the highway, as the PS pump was magnifying the loosey-goosey feeling. I will try and find a cheap, used gearbox/pitman arm off a G-body Chevy one of these days. Steering is definitely harsher, but far from Herculean.

No A-B-A testing because the pump seized up, but I was easily able average 32mpg on a round trip to town (up from the normal 29mpg I usually get). I think with a new gearbox and front end alignment, I could get my average into the mid 30's while hypermiling. Time will tell I guess.

Well, if there is anybody else out there think of making the switch to manual steering...Have no fear! It is much easier to drive on the highway, and pulse 'n glide is probably safer because steering stays consistent throughout. Slow speed driving in parking lots is tougher, but still easily doable. The freed up power is appreciated climbing hills and during passing.

[kir_kenix]

First real test of PS delete. Took a few short trips around town, and ventured out on the highway for some lumber. AVG over 32mpg in mixed driving in windy conditions with a 400lb load.

With the tires at 44psi, steering isn't too bad. I'll trade some creature comforts for improved FE any day. I'm starting to think that 40mpg on a long trip in good weather would be very doable at low speed.

Thanks

[JRMichler]

Originally Posted by kir_kenix

I'm starting to think that 40mpg on a long trip in good weather would be very doable at low speed.

It's a realistic goal. I believe that your truck has less frontal area than mine. I have had a number of 40 MPG trips in warm weather. And I drive 55 MPH.

[Quezacotl]

I have removed the power steering pump too. Well because of it went broken, and new costs about 140€. But i can repair that as soon as i can go fix it in my friend's workshop.

But yea it really helps P&G, the steering stays as it is though you shutoff the engine.

No logged FE results yet though :/

[kir_kenix]

Found a rebuilt gear box from an '86 Monte on CL for $50! Guy bought it for his racecar and ended up smashing the car before installing. Going to head into town and pick it up.

Made a 38.8mpg round trip to drop off some mower parts this morning, so I know taking the drag off the engine is helping some.

Next plan is to build a better upper grill block (riveted aluminum sheet should be more permanent than my pool noodle block now) and start looking for new LRR tires. I've been rocking Goodyear Viva 2's for the last 55k or so at 44psi. If I can find some coroplast I might even finish the bellypan I started building in '11. I figure every mile I put on this truck (or my bike) this summer is one less mile on my less efficient Canyon.

[kir_kenix]

Gearbox ended up being a bust. Clearly not a G-body box...not sure what it was supposed to fit.

Did get awesome mileage on the way there...41.8 with a tailwind and following a tandem trailer. Wind picked up and only averaged 25.6 on the way home. Still, pretty good mpg combined considering the platform.

Without proper A-B-A testing there is no way to prove definitively, but this delete seems to be worth between 1-2.5 mpg based on comparison to regular trips.

[kir_kenix]

only averaged 26.5mpg on the first trip to work since ps delete. was really bummed until i plotted the results against similar weather conditions (20mph winds and rain...76 degrees). last 2 times it was like this i only averaged 24mpg...so now im kind of thrilled.

[Smurf]

What are the specs of your S10? Engine, trans, cab, bed length, etc? 30MPG is impressive in any S10.

[kir_kenix]

Originally Posted by Smurf

What are the specs of your S10? Engine, trans, cab, bed length, etc? 30MPG is impressive in any S10.

2.2 4 cylinder. 5 speed manual. regular cab. standard length box. No AC, PS, or fan clutch. This is about as bare bones as any vehicle that you can find.