Originally Posted by ktteohYou won't make the first corner. In fact disabling the pump is downright dangerous. Powering steering systems are engineered to be powered. There is no provision to simply run them as manual by disabling the pump. The hydraulic pressure required cannot just be replaced with 'elbow grease' (unless you're the Incredible Hulk) Just pick a safe area on a slight slope let the car roll a few yards with the motor off and see how easy it is to steer... not!1. disabling the pump
Someone did a rack & pinion (powered) conversion on an E34 a while back.2. total conversion to a steering rack without power steering (is there one in fact ?)
Rack & Pinion Conversion
Pretty big job & not cheap.
Frankly I don't have a problem with the steering on mine. While some complain about the E34's steering; ie lack of feel in straight ahead position etc mine is just fine. No center slack or vagueness just the right amount of assist. I've driven cars in the past with rack & pinion steering both powered and manual and I don't favor them over my E34. Maybe I just got a good one?
As for going back to manual steering...