LHD S2 FHC, Power steering pump appears disconnected?

[jellypig]

Hi,

I appear to have a power steering steering rack, but the pump has long since been disconnected. No belt, grubby drive wheel , empty reservoir etc.

Apart from first and reverse up and down my drive I haven't steered my LHD, S2 , 1971 FHC yet. (I've not had it long and there were more pressing issues to attend to first )


Now before I go digging into why the pump has been disconnected. What are they like to drive without?

ie it would be simple for me to assume that a power steering component failed, so the owner disconnected it - but, given I've not driven mine, or indeed any E-type before, it <might> be that this isnt the result of a failure at all, but rather a "mod" done by the cool kids to enhance feel?

Is it?

[Heuer]

Same to drive as every other E-Type since 1961. Power steering was an unnecessary option for the majority and most owners disconnect it immediately. Might be useful if you intend putting wide wheels, modern 205 section rubber and a small steering wheel on the car. The S3 had power steering as standard because of the extra weight of the engine and different tyres.

[jellypig]

Thank you Andrew.

My gut feel was that S2 didnt <need> power steering and so rather than jump in with both feet, it made sense to stop and ask the question.

The pulley hasnt had a belt on it for a long time, I'm going to assume "disconnected" for now.

[rolando38]

the same happened with mine imported from US
I believe that as:
1/ not really necessary
2/ "sports car"
3/ leaking one day or another

many decided to remove them, and seemd to have lived without for ages without specific modification

[jellypig]

the same happened with mine imported from US
I believe that as:
1/ not really necessary
2/ "sports car"
3/ leaking one day or another

many decided to remove them, and seemd to have lived without for ages without specific modification

I agree.

This is the drive pulley.



I don't think that's had a belt for a long time. Longer than you'd put up with if power steering was required.

Am looking forward to driving mine to see how heavy the steering is at parking speed. My wife won't drive my other play car partly blaming no power steering as a reason - so if she complains I <might> attempt to fire it up on this one.

Thanks for your help.