Manual Steering vs. Power Steering

Discussion in 'Technical' started by Positively Ralf, Oct 9, 2009.

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  1. Positively Ralf

    Positively Ralf Here and There

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    Besides making turning the wheel while the car is still, are there any other advantages power steering has over manual steering?

    Reason I'm asking is because I'm considering gathering up the parts for a conversion on my 74 mav.
     
    Positively Ralf, Oct 9, 2009
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  2. mean_maverick

    mean_maverick Senior Member

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    nope. in my opinion, that's the only advantage. our cars with p/s steer really really easy, which is too easy for my taste
     
    mean_maverick, Oct 9, 2009
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  3. Dave B

    Dave B I like Mavericks!

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    Manual steering has alot less leaking involved. Some days, I feel like the captain of the Exxon Valdez.
     
    Dave B, Oct 9, 2009
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  4. sierra grabber

    sierra grabber Certifiable

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    at least with the valdeez, someone else had to clean it up... i got tired of buying kitty litter. of course i still have some for my transmission :(
     
    sierra grabber, Oct 9, 2009
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  5. scooper77515

    scooper77515 No current projects.

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    There is less swim from side to side with manual steering, and of course, less leaking.

    The power valve has a switch in it that is activated by motion of the steering wheel, but it only activates after it moves about half an inch from one side to the other. So there is that extra inch (half inch each way) of play in a power steering system.

    Yes, some will argue the fact, but if you look into a power valve while it is being activated, you will see that play before the valve is activated.

    I have NO swim anymore, after removing the power system.

    But, yes, it is a bit more difficult to turn, but not so much so that I have to think about it while driving (with a manual steering box. Power box would be a bit of a hassle, i would think.)
     
    scooper77515, Oct 9, 2009
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  6. brainsboy

    brainsboy Member

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    Power steering on my car is super super easy too, it turns easier than a cadillac eldorado. Personally I love it that way. Its not really fair to say power steering systems leak on these cars. Most leaks come from cars that are still using the 40 year old power steering hoses or from a hydraulic ram that has a missing or split dust boot that was never replaced.
     
    brainsboy, Oct 9, 2009
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  7. scooper77515

    scooper77515 No current projects.

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    You are right. But most of our cars ARE...

     
    scooper77515, Oct 9, 2009
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  8. FishnRace

    FishnRace Jamie

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    The point being made is, if your hoses are 40 years old and leaking ...

    replace them:yup:
     
    FishnRace, Oct 10, 2009
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  9. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    i replaced everything on mine and it still leaked...:yup:
     
    71gold, Oct 10, 2009
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  10. FishnRace

    FishnRace Jamie

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    Doooohhh, That is unacceptable ... What leaks, the hoses, valve(s), pump:hmmm: This puts a twist on this part of authors decision. (The fact that even wth well mantained PS system, leaks are possible and not necessarily curable.) Anyone else back this conclusion I have supposed?

    Jamie
     
    FishnRace, Oct 10, 2009
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  11. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    ...accept it...

    new pump leaked...replaced it and that one leaked...:yup:
    the only thing we (parts guy and myself) came up with was...the pumps had set on the shelf so long that the seals got hard...:huh:

    leaks and i hated that...wiggly valve...controller is why i removed mine.

    note..."Anyone else back this conclusion I have supposed?" ...that drives their car 5,000 + miles a year.
    taking it out of the box, installing it and putting the car back in your shop or trailer dosen't count...:D

    ...:drive:...LMMRAP...
     
    71gold, Oct 10, 2009
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  12. Craig Selvey

    Craig Selvey Indiana State Rep - MCCI

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    My Power steering doesn't leak.
     
    Craig Selvey, Oct 10, 2009
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  13. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    ...but it's still in the box...:rolleyes:
     
    71gold, Oct 10, 2009
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  14. baddad457

    baddad457 Member

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    (y) I was going to suggest something similar. The only benefit is to the oil company making your power steering fluid.:rofl2::bowdown:
     
    baddad457, Oct 10, 2009
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  15. rthomas771

    rthomas771 Member

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    Ford recommend using Type F ATF in the P/S
     
    rthomas771, Oct 10, 2009
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