Need to remove power steering pump. Time to go manual? :)

[syncro_user]

I don't know if other systems are the same, but in the VW/VAG rack on my car there are one-way valves at either end of the rack. Without the pump in operation the steering action itself simply circulates the fluid round the system. The fluid is very runny. I haven't noticed it being much harder to turn than an ordinary non-pas system. No leaks. All I did was to remove the belt, if anything the steering feels more stable at speed.

[Xist]

Things were progressing with repairing and modifying my car. I came inside to look up something, fell asleep, and then laid down--four hours ago. It is dark now!

[jcp123]

I'd want manual steering if for no reason than principle...I like stripped down cars, ces from my hot-rodder-at-heart days.

[Xist]

By the way, I don't know if Chilton had additional steps that I just didn't read, but Haynes says to put a jack and a block of wood under the engine, remove the motor mount, and if you still cannot remove the alternator, to "remove the driveaxle from the steering knuckle, as well as the lower control arm balljoint and shock absorber damper fork-to-control arm bolt."

I just rotate the alternator until it fits.

[jcp123]

I say do the delete. My DX didn’t come with power steering; it’s the best in the biz. Like most manual steering units (provided you get the manual rack) it’s pretty slow, 4 turns lock to lock, but it’s quite light and responsive. When I test drove it, I thought it had a bad power steering setup til I got back, popped the hood, and realized it had no power steering. I really, really like it.

The alternator was a pain to get in, but I agree, you don’t actually have to remove the axle. It does help to unhook that motor mount, though, you can gain yourself some maneuvering room. As easy as these cars generally are to work on, I thought the belts and alternator were more difficult than they needed to be.