progressive power steering

[1TuffSupra]

I own an '88 and I do not have the PPS. I have a few questions about it, I feel like whenever Im driving my car on the hwy (when I could drive it) that it is darty as hell. I have to keep my finger on the turn signal stalk at all times to make sure that the car will track straight. It seems to me that the steering does not get "heavier" as speeds increase and I hate it. Ive yet to be in an emergency situation with the car yet, like accident avoidance, but I think if I ever am Ill overcorrect and end up in the trees. Do the newer cars with PPS add weight to the steering as the speed of the car increases? Is it possible to switch the car over to the PPS? What parts would be needed? I just figured I should ask before I put my new motor in my car and screw myself over and making this transition (if at all possible or warranted) harder on myself later.

 

[lagged]

get an alignment but then from there i would just say get used to the car.

mannnny people have driven mkiii's without pps and can control the car just fine.

 

[1TuffSupra]

Well I was getting used to it, keep in mind I was only driving the car for about a month or so, but compared to the way my celica reacts at high speeds and the supra reacts its like apples and oranges. I dont think it needs an alignment because the car tracks straight even if I completely let go of the wheel. If I move the steering wheel though, even if its an inch or less, the car will move and it just seems like it is much much too sensitive to me.

 

[90T04]

Sounds like you have excessive Toe-out, that is your front wheels are both "pointing out" instead of strait. That will cause "darty" steering. First things first, get your alignment checked.

 

[1TuffSupra]

Well thats the 2nd time ive heard that in this post. I WILL definitely get the car aligned once I get it back together since Im putting some lowering springs on the car while Im swapping the motor.

But do any of you guys have any experience with pre PPS and post PPS equipped cars? I just dont want it to end up being something I want to switch out later on and have to go through a whole bunch of trouble doing it when it seems like it would be an easy thing to do with the motor coming out.

 

[Yellow 13]

Youll need the alignment after you lower the car anyways.

 

[1TuffSupra]

Youll need the alignment after you lower the car anyways.

yeah I know, but an alignment is easy. Im not even sure what I would have to swap out to convert over to PPS, or if its even worthwhile, thats why im asking.

 

[mattonedime]

To convert your car you would need to change out the entire rack. Then you would need to wire in the PPS control module which is simply a variable valve adjustment box that tells the valve on the steering box how far to open/close at what speed. The system does not add weight to the steering it simply restricts the pressure of the power steering fluid as it exits the rack.. similar to a fuel pressure regulator. Total PITA to convert your car in other words. Your darting sensation is 100% an alignment issue.

 

[1TuffSupra]

ah, see thats exactly the type of answer I was looking for. Now that I know its not worth it I will leave it be and just get the car aligned like I planned too once its back up and running. Id never gotten it aligned since I owned it, hopefully that is what Im feeling.

+1 for you

 

[GrimJack]

I agree - mostly. PPS does rock, however.

 

[Joel W.]

I sure like it at high speeds. (90-120 mph+) but it does mess with me at about 35-45 mph in a corner sometimes. It could be something else doing it also.. :dunno:

 

[fiyota]

Did PPS come as an option on the 88? I never noticed any touchy steering.

 

[GrimJack]

Nope, introduced in 89. I think. Unless Jeff chimes in. Again. punk....

 

[3p141592654]

Did you check to see if your steering damper is still attached? It looks like a shock absorber bolted to the steerig rack.

 

[Dr Evil]

You may also want to check your rack mount rubbers, as these perish over time ( especially when oil leaks onto them ) and will cause the symptoms you describe .