Currently I am running with my power steering belt off, waiting for the used tensioner I bought to arrive. It is a pain in that *** at slow speeds but feels pretty good at anything over parking lot speeds.

I know I can reduce steering effort by doing a depower of my stock rack, or I can pony up the $$$ for a manual NB rack, or I can remain stock with power steering.

If I go manual I will also be pulling the ac system out. I never use it other than helping defog windows in winter.

So what are advantages of depower VS advantages of a manual rack?

Keith

 

From what I understand, the biggest difference is in the ratios.
A depowered rack is quicker than the manual rack (and seems to be what folks prefer).

I've only ever driven the factory manual rack... and I liked it.
Someday I'll get a spare power rack and depower it (once I find that damned unicorn pulley to keep the AC and ditch the PS pump).

 

There is one for sale in the classified section right now.

Keith

 

Never mind, it sold already.

Keith

 

You wanna know a secret? You don't need the pulley to keep the A/C. Sixshooter has done it with the right belt and a few washers.

 

Thanks Ryan. Looks like I have some forum searching to do!

 

And I depowered my rack by draining all of the oil out of it and looping the lines. Take the lines loose at the rack with the front of the car on jackstands. Put the key in the ignition and release the steering lock. Then get down next to the car and grab one of the front wheels and push-pull it like you were steering back and forth as quickly as possible. This will squirt almost all of the oil that remains out of the rack. It will make a little mess but it works well.

Get an alignment and reduce your caster to 4-4.5 degrees and the effort will be fine and not a real pain in the *** in parking lots.

Stay away from zero offset wide wheels for better effort, too.

I guess I need to look at that AC belt and pass along what size I am using.
Here it is:
4PK0775 or 5040305

 

Here is an older pic showing the AC belt routing. The AC unit is mounted normally.

 

Very cool.
Thanks!

 

The idea of cheaply keeping the AC makes me much more likely to try this out. If you just loop the lines you can always go back to power steering by connecting everything back up can't you?

Keith

 

Purty much, yep.

 

Steve,

Did you just found a belt that was snug fitting that doesn't need any adjusting, or are you doing the adjusting with the washers mounted between the bracket and the compressor?

Thanks,
Ryan!

 

That belt number works without shimming with washers for me. I have used washers between the bracket and the compressor during a test fitting but the belt didn't need to be that tight to not slip. There will be slight differences between cars and belts so I included the fact that you could tighten it if needed. It's really a no brainer once you have the right belt.

Lookie at the helpful thread I made about it. You can send people directly to the info if they ever ask the question again.
https://www.miataturbo.net/useful-sa...-pulley-78584/

 

^^ just saved me some cash from having my machinist rig something up.
Looks like I need to send you more gay tires

 

They've only touched me inappropriately twice. But I was ok with it because I was lucky to have them.
Thanks again for the kindness.

 

Proper depower, minimum caster possible, and a +32 offset wheel sucks.

 

I'm still debating this myself. I actually like my powersteering, but i also have a "properly" depowered rack that I can swap in to try just sitting in my garage. Maybe next time the motor is out, i need to think about it :P.

 

My depower wasn't proper but it feels good to drive. Reeeaaal goooood!