power steering upgrade?
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TECH Apprentice
Joined: May 2006
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power steering upgrade? I'm running a GTO LS2 in an '88 Firebird and I installed Hydroboost brakes as part of the conversion. I just did a little autocross and discovered a problem; with repeated braking I would eventually lose power steering if I braked hard before a turn, or during a turn. Is there a way to boost the PS system?
Just a thought... I always read that the LSx power steering pumps were higher pressure than the thirdgen stuff... because of the power rack. I think they require more pressure. Ive heard of some thirdgen guys feeling like the steering was way too light after doing the LS1 swap.
There is a spring inside of the power steering pump that has to do with the pressure output. Again...this is a "pretty sure" statement. Ive heard of people swapping those springs and lowering the pressure. So if thats the case, i wonder if you can swap it the other way and give yourself more pressure. Its a pressure relief type spring. Pressure gets to a certain level, and the spring compresses and allows the pressure to bleed off alittle. With a softer spring, it will lower the pressure, stiffer spring, increase the pressure.
Either that or swap over to a vac booster for the brakes. You might even be able to get a high performance pump, but that will probably be costly if you can even find it.
Justin
There is a spring inside of the power steering pump that has to do with the pressure output. Again...this is a "pretty sure" statement. Ive heard of people swapping those springs and lowering the pressure. So if thats the case, i wonder if you can swap it the other way and give yourself more pressure. Its a pressure relief type spring. Pressure gets to a certain level, and the spring compresses and allows the pressure to bleed off alittle. With a softer spring, it will lower the pressure, stiffer spring, increase the pressure.
Either that or swap over to a vac booster for the brakes. You might even be able to get a high performance pump, but that will probably be costly if you can even find it.
Justin
Last edited by ghettocruiser; May 31, 2007 at 10:06 AM.
There is a valve in the pump that you might try changing.
I have not changed one myself, but it is behind the High side fitting. My buddy said it is easy to change, it just pops out with a little effort. Try looking into that or search the forum for subjects related to the power steering pump valve. Or call one of the vendors that rebuilds pump and steering boxes, as they might give you some information on it and sell you a different valve.
I have not changed one myself, but it is behind the High side fitting. My buddy said it is easy to change, it just pops out with a little effort. Try looking into that or search the forum for subjects related to the power steering pump valve. Or call one of the vendors that rebuilds pump and steering boxes, as they might give you some information on it and sell you a different valve.
Yeah I believe thats the same thing Im talking about. Its a check ball type valve with a spring behind it. And the spring pressure determines when the ball will move back and open the pressure bypass.
There is info around somewhere on that thing...
Justin
There is info around somewhere on that thing...
Justin
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 305
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Thanks guys, I'll look into it.
I also wrote Hydroboost tech and I did get a reply, one tech guy thinks the fluid may be overheating. I'm not too sure about that, since the power returns pretty quick. Since my steering fluid is also being heated up by the brakes, I probably would benefit from a cooler, so I may try adding that as well.
I also wrote Hydroboost tech and I did get a reply, one tech guy thinks the fluid may be overheating. I'm not too sure about that, since the power returns pretty quick. Since my steering fluid is also being heated up by the brakes, I probably would benefit from a cooler, so I may try adding that as well.
