15 replies to this topic

[dumptruck]

I've got a '95 Miata that I am currently running in NASA HPDE4 with a planned jump to TT possibly at our next event. From the pic attached, is it best to run a hose between the two lines on the steering gear with the steering pump removed, or cap them. I figure it may be best to have a hose between the two sides so the residual fluid has someplace to go.

If I do use a hose, do I need to be concerned about the pressure? And can I just use standard hose clamps to keep them on. My fear is either the line blowing or the connection coming loose while on track.

I would appreciate any positive feedback. Thx.

Rob

 steering gear.jpg   38.22KB   14 downloads

[Greg Kimble]

Rob,

I would go with the plugs, overall they are a cleaner installation, and then you dont have to worry about anything leaking or comming loose later. Plus if you ever wanted to put the PS back on your car, you would have the orginal uncut hoses to use. There is enough fluid left in the rack for lubrication when everything is put together, and you should have no issues at all.

Greg

[dumptruck]

Greg,

Where can I purchase the plugs from, or is this something I need to fab?

Rob

[Greg Kimble]

Rob,

Advanced Autosports makes them. You can copy/paste the url below.

http://www.advanced-...6ff585a4ae1b7e8

Greg

[FTodaro]

Rob,

Advanced Autosports makes them. You can copy/paste the url below.

http://www.advanced-...6ff585a4ae1b7e8

Greg

+1 on the plugs. I took out the hoses turned it left to right about two times to get out excess fluid and then plugged them. You just need to leave enough fluid in their to keep it lubricated and you are good to go. Now issues at all by capping the lines.

[dstevens]

I'm using the plugs from Advanced. Easy install. At the local industrial hardware joint they had something similar in a metric pipe plug but it wasn't as clean an appearance as the plugs from Dave. When we ditched the PS in the stock car I made tubing loops from AN fittings and braided hose. I wouldn't use hose clamps in that app.

[Keith Novak]

Just for reference, search the archives for steering rack depower. Planet Miata has a really nice method where they disassemble the rack, remove some bits you don't need in a depowered rack, grease, and reassemble the works. I have it bookmarked on my work computer but I'm not firing that up right now because there's work I'm ignoring on it.

I use Dave's plugs and I still have the small lines attached. The plugs are slick and when I first did it, it was a breeze. My rack is pretty smooth but some people have complained of excessive steering effort with just the drain and plug method. Many people just cut and crimp the small lines to keep gunk out. One drawback I've found to keeping the small lines is cleaning, like if you happen to have an oil mess or scatter a 100+ MPH bird in the engine bay.

I plan on doing the Planet Miata method soon as I also need to replace my front subframe due to non-birdstrike related incidents. I figure it's "While I'm in there, spend the little extra time to do it right and then don't think about it again." sort of jobs.

[dstevens]

Found this at Flyin' Miata from the archives...

http://www.flyinmiat...ech/depower.php

[Keith Novak]

That's the one. I had the Miata part right.

[Tom Hampton]

Seems like a lot of work, when the plugs work just fine.

[dstevens]

Meh, Flyin' Miata, Planet Miata, same thing, right? I'm sure Marc wouldn't mind

The rack modification is in addition to the plugs and is to ease the steering input once the PS pump is disconnected. I may give it a go later, got too much to do just to get the car to the point where I can get it a book. When we removed the PS from the stock car it was a bit of a handful on slower speeds but nothing that was too bad. If I can do that for a couple of seasons with what is basically a 3500 lb brick I think I'll be OK in the sports car.

[Tom Hampton]

Yesh, i get it. When I first put my plugs into it noticed some ihcreased effort. So, I took the plugs back out and moved the rack side to side more quickly until now more fluid came out. Put the plugs back, no issues since.

[forestdweller37]

We used the Flyin' Miata method on our miata chumpcar. We cleaned up the old pipe fittings and filled them with epoxy to make our own plugs. Clean, cheap, and effective.

-Chris

[Lee Tilton]

^+1 on the epoxy. Do the flyin m method, works like a charm.

[davew]

I may have a biased opinion, BUT:

I have seen 3 steering racks go bad since I got into SM back in 2000. All 3 have had the flyin' Miata depower method. May be a coincedence, but 3 out of 3 seems unlikely.

For my plugs I recommend turning the steering wheel lock to lock several times prior to installing the plugs. Do this quickly and preferably with the front wheels off the ground.

Dave

[JayF]

I may have a biased opinion, BUT:

I have seen 3 steering racks go bad since I got into SM back in 2000. All 3 have had the flyin' Miata depower method. May be a coincedence, but 3 out of 3 seems unlikely.

For my plugs I recommend turning the steering wheel lock to lock several times prior to installing the plugs. Do this quickly and preferably with the front wheels off the ground.

Dave

I used Dave's plugs on my car as well. No complaints. I had one of the very rare odd balls that needed two of the same sized plugs.