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Power Steering Without Power Pump: How To?

 
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dieselmartin
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Post26-11-2004, 0:17    Subject: Power Steering Without Power Pump: How To? Quote

Hi.

I have a crazy idea, and I'd like to get your opinion on it:

Is it technically safe to drive a car with power steering when the power steering pump is mounted vertically?

Sure, you have to be able to handle a bit more physically, but the 1500 km that I drive in a week, which I'll be doing on Friday, are mostly just straight icon_wink.gif.

Okay, remove the pump's belt and put it on the track.

It should make a noticeable difference in fuel consumption - I hope so.

m;
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Translated on 25-09-2026, 16:11.
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Forenheini
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Post26-11-2004, 8:14    Subject: Power Steering Without Power Pump: How To? Quote

Hi,

Sure, that's possible... but it's not really recommended, and the achievable fuel savings are quite limited. Additionally, theoretically, it might even be illegal because steering assistance is required above certain steering forces.


Translated on 25-09-2026, 16:13.
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Post26-11-2004, 10:11    Subject: Power Steering Without Power Pump: How To? Quote

HI,

Well... VW mentions something like 0.2 liters of fuel saved by switching from the constantly running power steering pump in hydraulic power steering systems to the electromechanical power steering system in newer cars, which only consumes energy when needed.

Therefore, that's still 3 liters of diesel for every 1500 kilometers.

I'm not sure if it's legal.

Best regards,

Jan.
1Z5 CFHF / AHB H4D


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Georg-TDI
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Post26-11-2004, 10:12    Subject: Power Steering Without Power Pump: How To? Quote

Hello Martin,

You're not the first. icon_wink.gif

Several years ago, we compared two identical company cars (which were also purchased together).

Both Golf 3 cars, first registered in 1995, with 90 HP TDI engines (I don't know the exact engine code, but it was probably a 1Z), with approximately 180,000 kilometers on the odometer, and both have MFA (Multi-Function Display).

The idea was the same: to support theories about saving memory space.
(Originated during a beer-drinking gathering icon_cool.gif).
First, we verified and compared the fuel consumption at different speeds (by driving them side-by-side on the airfield).

Okay, let's remove this servo belt and get on the track!
(Flugplatz, beide neben einander, keine el. Consumers.

Unfortunately, the result was not very impressive.
The fuel savings were almost negligible, 0.1 liters per 100 kilometers, if at all! icon_mad.gif

It makes sense, probably because the power steering pump doesn't have much to do on straight roads. It's likely to be different in city traffic, but that's exactly where you don't want to do without power steering assistance.

So, let the servo pump do its job.
It is better and, above all, safer. icon_wink.gif

Best regards, Georg.


Translated on 25-09-2026, 16:16.
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Gremlin
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Post26-11-2004, 10:16    Subject: Power Steering Without Power Pump: How To? Quote

Technically, that's not a problem...

'But it's incredibly disgusting when you actually have to steer. Even a normal curve on the highway is enough. The arms definitely get a workout there...'

I wouldn't connect the pump to any kind of experiment. If Aunt Erna drives her car in front of your house, it's not that far to quickly swerve out of the way, because you have to turn the steering wheel with a lot of force.

I had to deal with that for three days because of a fuel pump failure, which definitely makes you appreciate not having a car sometimes.

In the event of an accident, this could also cause problems if an expert determines that the power steering was not functioning.

CU Gremlin.


Translated on 25-09-2026, 16:18.
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dieselmartin
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Post26-11-2004, 10:21    Subject: Power Steering Without Power Pump: How To? Quote

Quote:
There could also be problems in the (insurance) case if an expert determines that the power steering was out of order...


I could have an old, torn one and place it strategically icon_smile.gif in case it's needed.

Okay, it's clear now, I'll probably be riding with Servo.

Furthermore, the girl will be annoyed in Valencia if I first have to put on the serpentine belt before we can cruise through Andalusia icon_lol.gif.

Thank you for the considerations... however, I would still like to test it "on a smaller scale" icon_smile.gif.

m;
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Translated on 25-09-2026, 16:20.
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Post26-11-2004, 10:42    Subject: Power Steering Without Power Pump: How To? Quote

So, 3 liters per 1500 km (if at all) is really nothing; especially when I also look at your information from spritmonitor.de, where you have significantly more potential savings in the (right) footer. icon_wink.gif


Translated on 25-09-2026, 16:21.
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matthiasTDI96
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Post26-11-2004, 10:49    Subject: Power Steering Without Power Pump: How To? Quote

"For three liters, I wouldn't put it under the car either. As I mentioned before, I can't imagine that the pump would have a power requirement when the steering isn't being used that would make this measure worthwhile."


Translated on 25-09-2026, 16:21.
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dieselmartin
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Post26-11-2004, 10:52    Subject: Power Steering Without Power Pump: How To? Quote

right foot ???

I only need it to provide support when cornering to the left icon_lol.gif.
You mean the left index finger (on the SET key of the GRA).

Okay, seriously. You mean, if I take it easy, I can achieve a 5.4 again?

However, my winter tires are a smaller size (185/60 14 instead of 195/60 14).
Sure, I'm not going to blast down the Rhône Valley in a boxy car with a lead foot.

I think a GRA of 140 is realistic; then it will probably reach around 3000 RPM. I might log the entire journey (muahahah).
Oops, that won't work, the GPS is already connected to COM...

m;
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I don't know what the f*ck it was.


Translated on 25-09-2026, 16:23.
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Post26-11-2004, 10:56    Subject: Power Steering Without Power Pump: How To? Quote

right foot ???

I only need it to provide support when cornering to the left icon_lol.gif.
You mean the left index finger (on the SET key of the GRA) So, another lazy bum like me... icon_lol.gif


Translated on 25-09-2026, 16:24.
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Georg-TDI
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Post26-11-2004, 11:19    Subject: Power Steering Without Power Pump: How To? Quote


Furthermore, the girl will be annoyed in Valencia if I first have to put on the serpentine belt before we can cruise through Andalusia icon_lol.gif.

Oh, that's obvious, isn't it? icon_rolleyes.gif

Therefore, you have always placed great importance on (horizontal) space in the Variant. icon_lol.gif
Then we all hope that Bonitta won't be disappointed... icon_wink.gif


Translated on 25-09-2026, 16:25.
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dieselmartin
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Post26-11-2004, 11:29    Subject: Power Steering Without Power Pump: How To? Quote

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I mentioned the girl to make it clear that even the act of tampering with things is an aspect of this situation (namely, doing it to sabotage it).
Not to brag or to give the impression that I'm showing off.

Find my posts about a certain Polo SDI AKU (in the ATD qualm thread) - then you'll know what kind of car I drive.

m;
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Translated on 25-09-2026, 16:26.
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Julian
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Post26-11-2004, 21:02    Subject: Power Steering Without Power Pump: How To? Quote

then you'll know who I'm going to.


Olé!
Then we'll know what or who you are repairing.... icon_redface.gif

'Unfortunately, the effort involved isn't worth it due to the minimal fuel savings, especially considering the risk of losing the ABE approval.'
'Anyone looking for a girlfriend in Valencia probably has 3 liters of extra fuel to spare and certainly wouldn't want to risk having to work on their Golf in that poor Valencian area...'

by the way
Keep driving south; it's more beautiful along the Costa Blanca. icon_wink.gif


Translated on 25-09-2026, 16:27.
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