power steering conversion

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Post by MULLEY »

Seeing as the electric option is soo cheap to do in the 1st place, could you not rig it up so that it has an on/off switch, so normal driving its off as you don't need it, then switch it on when parking?
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Des Smith
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Re: power steering conversion

Post by Des Smith »

Last weekend I picked up a 16v sub-frame from Tim to replace the one on the St Tropez which is getting rather crusty in places. It's come with all the power steering attached and as I was cleaning it down yesterday prior to dismantling it, I thought "Could I use this as an opportunity to convert the St Tropez to PAS?" The car is fine to drive as is, except when attempting parking and tight turns at low speed, when I wish I had PAS.

Judging by this thread, this is possible but the devil is in the detail. Given I have everything that is attached to the sub-frame, what else needs to be modified to hook it up to the St Tropez's existing hydraulics?

I won't be attempting this myself - Chevronics will be the preferred partner in this mod if it's viable.

Comments, tips etc very welcome...
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Re: power steering conversion

Post by Kitch »

I really couldn't see any point in the conversion, other than the fact that the PAS rack is quicker-geared, which would make threading through A-roads a bit nicer.
But I had a 14 with non-PAS and it was fine, and I can't imagine a 16 petrol being much different as the drivetrain isn't much heavier. Can't speak for the diesels as I've only ever driven PAS versions.

Essentially to hook it up to your car Des I would think it shouldn't be too tricky. Your pump's output pipe will need to be re-routed to feed the FDV, which will then feed brakes, steering and suspension bits. As far as I can see it's a case of making some custom pipes that Citroen would never have made before.
Also worth checking that the 14 pump is up to the job....ie can shift enough fluid to keep the pressure up, because IIRC it uses a different one to all the XU models.
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Tim Leech
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Re: power steering conversion

Post by Tim Leech »

I have a spare 1.6 pump if required, unsure of its condition but told it was good.

Personally I wouldnt want a BX without power steering.
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Re: power steering conversion

Post by Des Smith »

Kitch wrote:the PAS rack is quicker-geared, which would make threading through A-roads a bit nicer.
That sounds like a good explanation for the armful of steering input required to make modest direction changes and is also the reason for lots of steering-wheel heaving required for parallel parking.
Kitch wrote:I had a 14 with non-PAS and it was fine, and I can't imagine a 16 petrol being much different as the drivetrain isn't much heavier. Can't speak for the diesels as I've only ever driven PAS versions.
I have to say that memory can play tricks on you. My recollections of my first BX14's steering was that is was not noticeably heavy, but a decade of PAS vehicles and you get a reality check when you drive a car without PAS. Don't get me wrong, I can cope with it as is, but if the mod is feasible and fairly straightforward, why not consider it seriously? I've owned a BX16 petrol with PAS and that was a nice drive with plenty of feedback and much more pleasant at low speed turns and parking. As I understand it, the heavier diesel-engined BXs without PAS are a real work-out and best avoided unless you're built like Geoff Capes.

Kitch, the advice is much appreciated, especially the heads-up about the pump, and I may well take Tim up on his offer of a 16 pump if it needs one. :D

So the next question is who is able to offer a definitive answer on the pump? Pleiades? Has anyone on the forum done this mod and can speak from experience?
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Re: power steering conversion

Post by Defender110 »

Des Smith wrote: As I understand it, the heavier diesel-engined BXs without PAS are a real work-out and best avoided unless you're built like Geoff Capes

Yes, I quite clearly remember growing to hate driving the one BX Diesel I owned without PAS.
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Re: power steering conversion

Post by citsncycles »

I never had a problem with the steering on the 14 I had, although this was after the GS, which apparently has heavy steering! In fact it felt so light that it wasn't until I checked that I realised it wsn't PAS :oops:
the heavier diesel-engined BXs without PAS are a real work-out and best avoided unless you're built like Geoff Capes.
Funny you should say that...
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Re: power steering conversion

Post by Mothman »

Whats the matter with you all, whats wrong with driving a car with no PAS?
You need to eat more wheatie flakes with your breakfast :D .

Ile quite happily drive a non PAS BX if its a rare motor but then i work very hard physically for a living. All cars were made this way once.

I may agree with you if the steering was heavy all the time but it isnt.

As for the Corsa electric power steering, ile have to agree with Vince there as a neighbour has recently had the exact problem he described and managed to source a new one on ebay as the dealer quoted her a huge price for a new replacement.

Keep eating your cerials[damned shame i cant] and you will be ok without your PAS :lol: .

Andy
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