Improving the power steering?

_Remi · 02-06-2008, 01:17 PM

Hi!

I am torn

I really think that the steering on my 1967 coupe is bad: unprecise and way too soft (I have power steering). Is there a way, not as radical as removing the power steering, to make it a little bit harder and more precise?

Thanks!

Jamison · 02-06-2008, 02:35 PM

make sure your steering system is not worn first off check the steering box and or various linkages for exsessive play. also whats the condition of your suspension? has the car had the shelby drop mod to it?
if you have a stock steering box you might want to check into getting one that has a quicker ratio.

Aussie66Fastback · 02-06-2008, 05:16 PM

the stock power steering is pretty light but theres no reason it cant be accurate and precise.
there is some adjustment in the steering box and if the wear is excessive, you can replace it with a new one.

the rams also wear as do ball joints etc. I agree with Jamison. Check out whats good and bad with your current steering and suspension and then make some decisions.

You can alwaysreplace the whole lot with rack and pinion steering but it is more expensive and you will be disappointed if the rest of the suspension is worn.

check out http://www.rrs-online.com.au/index.phpas an example of the types of "modernising" stuff available. they publish their prices but make sure you are sitting down

_Remi · 02-06-2008, 05:27 PM

Ouch, prices are crazy !

Let me be more specific actually (I'm French and I did not have the correct word) : my power steering is way too light! It was dangerous at the beginning and I had the strut rod changed which made it better.

If I could find a way to make it less light, it would be perfect

Thanks.

flyingfool · 02-06-2008, 08:39 PM

hm, I was just having this thought yesterday. anyone know of smaller or differnt pumps that could fit without burning themselves out or somthing?

Jamison · 02-06-2008, 09:34 PM

i know heidts makes an adjustable valve but its for rack and pinion steering. not sure if it would work on a stock setup. im thinking about it for my TCP power rack.

http://www.heidts.com/heip27.htm

Aussie66Fastback · 02-06-2008, 09:44 PM

theoretically you could put a bigger pulley on the pump which would slow it down or restrict the valve size on the hoses.

I dont know of anyone who has done this succesfully though.

if you really hate it, go back to manual steering. Thats what i did and its only really a pain when you are parking.

gjz30075 · 02-07-2008, 07:57 AM

And not so bad if you put in the roller idler arm..

65Coupester · 02-07-2008, 08:11 AM

As an experiment you could remove the belt from the power steering pump.
It will be slightly harded to steer than a stock manual car because you have the quick ratio steering box and the manual box has a higher ratio.

Sounds like you have worn parts or need alignment. I can steer my car with 1 finger but it goes straight down the road.

flyingfool · 02-13-2008, 12:16 AM

hmm, thought about this a few times aswell..anyone ever heard of electric power steering?? im thinking somthing that you could turn on when parking, driving slow speeds in town, ect. mabeye similar idea to electric water pump...