Power Steering Again...

[domedan]

Sorry for bringing this up again, I have looked at the other comments on this subject, some of which are quite old.

I have had my MKII 3.8 for 10 years and tend to use it every other day from Spring to Autumn. It needs a few things and whilst I'm at it I would like to improve the steering experience. I'm fine with it at normal speeds, it's just those tight car park spaces and the like, which, as I use it a lot, I encounter a lot.

So, I know it's an old question but maybe slightly different in my case as I have amongst my spares (should be a photo attached) a collection of power steering parts. I also have the front subframe (not in photo and needs complete refurbishment) with the indent for the PAS box, maybe from a 420 or perhaps a PAS equipped MK2 (sorry, I forgot to say that I am mechanically inept so can't tell). From having read the forums on this subject, I am assuming that I have both an old type Hale (stamped as such) power box, an Adwest box (one on the left - guessing from pics on the net but can't see the name anywhere), idler, 2 x fluid reservoirs and brackets, 2 x Eaton pumps, the main linkage and that thing with the big bracket and pulley (another type of pump?).

Now, obviously, as you will have guessed by now, I wouldn't be fitting anything myself but I am wondering the following;

What else do I need to convert my non power steering car to power steering using these parts? More hydraulic hoses etc? I assume that I need the correct Dynamo (I have a good C48 Dynamo amongst my spares if that's relevant) but I'm not averse to changing to alternator or 'Dynator', if that's available and would help my cause?

Should I have the Adwest (assuming it is) steering box overhauled first (I don't know if it's ok or not) or fit first, see if it's ok and overhaul if it isn't, assuming it's not too difficult to remove after fitting?

Or, should I sell these parts and either;

1. Have a Vicarage (or other) R&P kit fitted becuse the result is much much better than the original PAS? Or,
2. Send my original unassisted box off to ICS and have it reconditioned to a close ratio box, see how I get on with that as a better experience and, if I still need assistance, have the electric (steering column) assistance fitted by Easysteer thus having the benefit of the close ratio box with a bit of electric assistance when required?

Obviously there is a bit of personal choice involved here but, if there is an obvious answer (which I suspect is to use the parts I have?), I'd like to hear it. Cost is also a consideration, of course. The ICS box and Easysteer is going to be around £2,000 roughly I think, I don't know how much a R&P kit is fitted and I don't know hom much it will be to refurbish my existing spares, find other bits and have someone carry out the work.

Thanks.
Dominic

[domedan]

Also, I saw this on the AES website and assume this is what I need if changing to a dynator;

"We can also supply the LMDC42 with rear drive provision for a power steering pump, as fitted to various Jaguars and Alvis's etc. This is our part LMDC42RD - Negative earth."

[domedan]

Just looking at my C48 Dynamo (a little bigger than the C42), it looks like the Eaton pump would happily fit on to the end. It certainly seems to.

Would this dynamo be ok for use in the MKII with the parts I have?

[Ronniebiggs]

Dominic,

My view is to use an Adwest system (sometimes referred to as Marles) as it fits, works well, retains correct steering geometry and with the variable ratio transforms the feel of the car, I fitted such a setup to my 3.4 and have never looked back (except when reversing...). As you have a 3.8 the 'normal' pump on the back of the dynamo will fit (it won't on 2.4 blocks). The 'extra' pump you have looks like it's from a 420 and is a totally different type of pump from the Eaton. My pump is noticeably worn, and would ideally receive new rollers, but they' seem to be unavailable; good news is I still get all the assistance I need so clearly not a major issue.

I'd avoid Eezisteer as it puts the assistance in the wrong place, heavily loading an old manual box. You also still have nearly 5 turns lock to lock which makes tight corners a challenge! I've little experience in rack conversions, but a so-equipped Mk2 I briefly drove didn't feel as good as the Marles setup.

Your money, your car, your choice but I know what I'd prefer.

Jay

[PPV]

This year I am going to try and convert my car to electric power steering using an on line kit used for rally cars! It keeps the original steering arrangement but I have to fit the electrical bits by doing some mods to the steering shaft.
I will report on it if successful!
Regards,