who needs power steering?!!!

[bonospeed]

So my ps/ac belt snapped today on the highway and i thought do i want to replace this or not??? besides it being a PITA to replace, doesn't it just rob hp from the engine? SO i was wondering if anyone knew of any possible problems caused by leaving it off besides having to turn the wheel really hard and having no ac (neither are a big deal to me as this is my first car with both!).

[bonospeed]

cmon, someone has to know if the steering rack will be damaged by not using the powersteering. anybody????

[zoomzone]

I am not sure about any damage to the p/s system, but it would be a safety issue for me. Without the p/s, your reaction time to avoid a collision/accident would be much slower . I would fix it. I also live in Oklahoma, and the A/C is mandatory here.

[bonospeed]

i guess ill just replace it, any tips for the install? ill be doing it along with alternator/waterpump belt as its starting to look pretty worn out.

[ProtoType5]

Removing the power steering belt won't do any damage...and will only affect the steering at low speeds...

If you do want to take them out...don't be half-assed about it...Remove the ENTIRE power steering assembly and the ENTIRE A/C assembly....The largest gains you'll get are from removing 80lbs of crap....

Either do it all or just fix the belt...

[mazdaspeedwerx]

^^^ I agree.

[bonospeed]

yeah my car could do with losing some weight... i can remove pump and compressor and all lines connected to them right? or do i need the lines still for steering to work?

[fellfrosch7]

For A/C, you can remove everything if you just follow the lines. Power steering I would remove the parts, and where it actually connects to the steering rack, just loop those lines to itself, so that no dirt gets in there, and you still have some fluid in there to keep everything oiled up.

[MS_Rick]

sub for reference...

[dstmsp03]

A/c removal is easy.. ive done that.. no reason to not hook the ps back up.. its not hard at all.. dont know why you think its a bitch.. loosen two bolts and and crank on the other to drop the ps pump, put the new belt on, tighten the tensioning bolt, tighten the bracket bolt and the main power steering bolt and you are done.. 5 min job.. if that on the msp.. as for remvl of the a/c system, unbolt the pump, remove the bracket, undo the lines where they go into the firewall, remove condensor (easy to sell on here btw) and there is a catch can of sorts on the drivers side radiator support to remove.. and you are done.. takes about 30 mins cause you have to remove the fans and radiator

[MS_Rick]

Just wondering if there's any advantage without power steering?

[dstmsp03]

nope.. is the 1 hp worth the crappy steering response?

[MS_Rick]

lmao of course not!!! I will leave it then... I am worried becuase it looks like
its leaking alittle.

[dstmsp03]

go to pamsauto.com.. they have a ps pump for sale off an 03.5.. ps pump is an easy change

[MS_Rick]

so I take these devices go bad when they start to leak if so one should not
repair just purchase a new pump?

[dstmsp03]

repairing can be just as much as buying a used... good part.. much easier to replace, then to rebuild it.. plus pams always give a warranty with their products

[MS_Rick]

Thanks I couldn't find it for my year on that web site but I will continue to search...

[dstmsp03]

so its not the pump?
u might be able to shoot down to Napa and get some lines made.. they make pressure fitted lines.. by the look of that pic.. it looks like u circled the A/c line

[MS_Rick]

its not the lines I put in new A/C lines becuase the prick that install my 3 inch
DP damaged them... after replacing the a/c lines I cleaned the fluid off the
ps pump and it return after driving..

[dstmsp03]

oh ok.. def.. in that situation, check to see how much new pressurized lines would run.. shouldnt be too pricey

[MS_Rick]

you mean new lines for P/S?

[dstmsp03]

yeah.. if its leaking from a line.. its not a huge costly fix.. Napa will make those lines to spec for you.. all you have to do is know what you need.. if i were you i would take it off and take it in there for them to make it

[MS_Rick]

yeah sounds like a plan...cool thanks for replying and all! on to another task..

[dstmsp03]

laterz