E34:Change to non-power steering rack

[ktteoh]

i wonder if anyone here has experience doing a conversion to a non-power steering (ie fully manual steering) on a E34 either thru:1. disabling the pump2. total conversion to a steering rack without power steering (is there one in fact ?)i'm looking at this from the point of reducing the # of hydraulic items to go wrong and also reduce parasitic loss on the engine.

 

[ichiwan2]

You are worried about ps sapping engine power? Applying the same logic, you could do without the air-cond. Also automatic shift to manual shift.

To me, your best alternative is to go for an engine swap, which I am sure the other members will be happy to make suggestions.

I would go either 3.0l or 3.5l engine swap if I were so inclined.

 

[Barry]

Now why would anyone want to do that? Imagine driving a tank without power steering. Just to save some power from the engine? Trust me, bad idea. Even the 1000cc Kelisa has power-steering.

 

[OSFlanker]

Agree with Barry. I think even on 205 series tyres you will struggle to turn the car unless you are a weightlifter. On 235 tyres you probably can't turn at all!

 

[bazet]

The steering only feels heavy when static, after start moving, it'll be like normal. we'll in my case, I like to that too, but I can't..since my wife driving the same car.....I even paid RM800 to install power steering to my 1990 Proton SAGA.......

But, the feels is better without power steering.

 

[Iqlima]

Install the servotronic from E32 into your car and it will adjust pressure according to speed.

 

[naza2]

don't do it unless ur incredibly strong. to have a feel of it, turn your key to the ON position (dont start the car), and turn the steering. thats how its gonna feel when ur parking that biatch. heavy, man.

if power is what ur worried about, i'm sure there are other things to look at.

btw, can i know the cause of the problem? engine stalling during parking? hard to balance the clutch? etc??

 

[ktteoh]

my only intention is to keep things simple. power steering has the potential to leak hence my reasoning to remove it.

so back to my original question: what is the best way to achieve manual steering on an e34 ?

 

[naza2]

option #1.

 

[pussy]

bmw never maid a none power steering for the e34..
why re-event the wheel !!

try finding a non-steering box for the e34 !!

btw, the e34 power steering box is a progresive type as you go faster.. you can also adjust it progresively !!

 

[Iqlima]

Originally posted by ktteoh@Apr 7 2005, 05:19 AM
my only intention is to keep things simple. power steering has the potential to leak hence my reasoning to remove it.

so back to my original question: what is the best way to achieve manual steering on an e34 ?

Hi

Cut the belt and voila !!

Greets

 

[XXX]

I just experienced driving an E34 without power steering when my belt came off during last weeks trackday. I can tell you no way you can drive even at speed, I was half way round the track when the belt came off and even at speed no way i could take the corners.
Tryin to turn the steering was like trying tryin to push a kelisa from standstill (btw im usin 255's so maybe its a bit heavier). Anyway u should try like what Iqlima suggested, takin out the belt and then drive it.

 

[fabianyee]

E34 uses circulating balls steering box.. and not the usual rack and pinion.... it's a different system...