Power steering for your 120,140,1800 & ES

[sleek lemur]

Resurecting this thread.... I have spoken to MK2 Mania in Wigan, who seem to know their stuff and can fit electric powers steering for £850, which seems very good value.

Slightly off-subject, my 1800E seems quite reluctant to self-centre after negotiating a corner. Is this normal? Should I attempt to adjust steering box? All suspension and steering bushes are new.

Many thanks.

[mocambique-amazone]

Lemur, drive a converted car in front of order.
I don't like the electric power steering conversion.

Reluctant to self center may be:
Stiff pitman arm bushing
Less caster than good to gain lighter steering
Steering box without play, this will destroy the inner parts fast.
If the steering box of your car is worn out/ with potting at the gears a electric power steering will destroy he box even faster.

If you swap to thensure pitman arm bushing of first generation the steering will be easier and more precise.
The other solution is to to modify the car to real power steering.
Very very expensive and welding is obligated

1th generation pitman arm
5.5J x 15 rims with 165/80 R 15

Enough air into the tires :
DONE

Good luck, Kay

[arcturus]

Check which power unit they use. if it's the Vauxhall electric run away. It will ruin the feel of the car

[sleek lemur]

Many thanks, both.

Will check bushing in Pitman arm and make sure that the vauxhall unit I not what they use. They seem to specialise in rallying, so am hoping they understand the need for feel! But you're right. The last thing I want to do is ruin the car. Luckily they are booked up until December, so plenty of time to investigate.

[LawsonJD]

I've fitted the EZ system to my 1800E, can't give a performance report because the vehicle's not finished but I could go and take pictures of the whole installation if anyone want to see, not a problem.
When I say I've fitted it, Royal I, all work was done by Heritage Classics of Teeside.

https://www.heritage-classics.com

[Clan]

Originally Posted by classicswede

Sounds very interesting but not for me. I've always found the amazon steering to be very light. Fitting wider tyres does help but the most important thing is making sure the wheel alighnment is correct.

Looks a lot neater than fitting merc PS box.

Exactly I always found the 120 / 1800 steering delightful , with new tyres and appropriate tyre pressures .. ( Not the 28 psi recommended ! )

If you are getting elderly it might not be so easy though as i realised last year when i lost half my strength in my arms .. It is all back to normal now though .

[sleek lemur]

Hi Clan,

"appropriate tyre pressures .. ( Not the 28 psi recommended ! )"

What tyre pressures do you recommend?

[Clan]

Originally Posted by sleek lemur

Hi Clan,

"appropriate tyre pressures .. ( Not the 28 psi recommended ! )"

What tyre pressures do you recommend?

It is the same with the 340 , they recommend 28 too , it's horrible at that pressure and wears the edges of the tyres , I'm using eco 34 psi a dramatic positive difference . Give it a go , nothing to loose , Ride should not be much harder with your sophisticated double wishbone front suspension ..

[tdz840]

Originally Posted by Clan

It is the same with the 340 , they recommend 28 too , it's horrible at that pressure and wears the edges of the tyres , I'm using eco 34 psi a dramatic positive difference . Give it a go , nothing to loose , Ride should not be much harder with your sophisticated double wishbone front suspension ..

34 all round??

[Clan]

Originally Posted by tdz840

34 all round??

there isn't a problem at the rear but try 30 , if it feels ok .