Manual Steering Conversion Questions

[janowski96]

I know this has been mentioned many times in previous threads. I can do some research to find the previous threads, but I could not specifically find anything on how to remove the piston from the power steering rack to properly convert to manual steering. From what I read, this is the best process (to remove the piston and grease everything up). Maybe somebody knows exactly how to do that and has a step by step process. I also have access to parts diagrams so that would be nice to know exactly what to remove. I just have not looked at them closely yet but am looking to remove my power steering components next weekend so it should be fun. I know there are many opinions on doing this, and I am aware of the pros and cons.

[ECalvo31]

I would definitely like to do this as well.

[deevergote]

I don't know of anyone that has modified the power steering rack to be a real manual rack, though I suppose it's doable. There has always been talk of a manual rack that comes in some lower model CBs, but I've never actually seen one. That may just be an incorrect assumption that has been accepted as truth.

Most people that convert to manual simply loop the lines, and keep fluid in the system to ensure everything remains lubricated. If your way works properly, that seems like it would be a better option than looping.

[short1]

I plan on doing this sometime soon myself. I found this link on one of my searches here. I don't remember where or who posted it, but they said it is similar to the cb7 rack. This is the tutorial I plan on using to at least get an idea of what to do. If you do it, make a DIY...it would be legendary lol
http://flyinmiata.com/tech/depower.php?x=1
short

[kelton]

Thats what a lot of rx7 guys do is just grease it up. I was going to get a depowered rack but I like power steering lol.

[janowski96]

I like that link Short1. Thnx. Yeah, I don't know what route to go yet. I will have a rack out of a '90 2 door cb7 and will hopefully get a better idea what to do. I printed all the pics off that link that Short1 supplied and will see how close the racks are to the cb7. I will post pics when I get them and when I know more.

[bcjammerx]

I came across a company that makes "heavy duty" manual racks...can't find them now though.

Might have been this company...not sure though. I never actually emailed them. Seemed like they made racks to fit the buyers needs...gotta be expensive.

Yeah most folks just do a p/s delete and have a res. tank to keep the rack from going dry.

[jerry18849]

make sure u do it correctly cuz a cb7 without power steering sucks
trust me, i know from experience
the worst part about not having power steering is trying to back up into a parking space it sucked

[H22Artman]

make sure u do it correctly cuz a cb7 without power steering sucks
trust me, i know from experience
the worst part about not having power steering is trying to back up into a parking space it sucked

it most certainly does not suck.

i cant stand the p/s on the CB. its way to soft, and easy to over manuever if you get in a loss of traction situation.
having no p/s makes me feel like im more in touch with the car and therefore the road.

its hard to steer back and forth at a dead stop. but as soon as the car moves forward or backward at all (even a snail crawl) its cake.
sounds like you need more experience....

[janowski96]

So, I have removed the belt off the p/s to stop the whining that my pump was making, which is one of the many reasons why I just want to get rid of the p/s. I'm not gonna lie, it is definitely harder to steer at slower speeds, but I like the feel and it's not really that bad. I can definitely feel the road a lot better, I can say that I am communicating with the car a lot more. I likey As soon as I get more info on the modification of the rack I will get pics and diy posts.

If anybody is wondering, cb7's do not offer any type of manual racks. Meaning none of the cb7 years came with a manual rack, just to clear that up. I found out that much info.

[bcjammerx]

just make sure the rack doesn't run dry. Even folks that p/s delete need to have some way to ensure the rack doesn't get dry.

[kelton]

You guys are crazy. I love power steering.

[ThrakBarts]

Personally I both love and hate my looped line steering rack.

A true manual rack is much better than looping the lines. When the lines are looped, the piston in the rack continues to attempt to function causing difficulty in reaching either side of steering lock . This makes autocross in a non-powersteering cb7 extremely difficult even for the strongest of us.

I have experienced the difference in a buddies track miata. He originally looped the lines, and turning was difficult and irratic at certain points (much like the cb7, but took less physical effort).
He did a manual rack conversion (I wish I had been there to learn), and it is smooth as butter from steering lock to steering lock. I have an extra rack lying around, I should take it apart.