PAS question

[MrDuke]

Is it generally fairly easy to fit a power steering rack/pump/etc into a car without them, assuming it comes from the same make & model? MS_DUKE is having trouble with the 205 at the moment, mainly due to having a major op recently, and I'm pretty sure the later ones had a PAS option? If I could find one, what are the chances of everything else being exactly the same?

If not, I'll have to look around for something else, the only problem being that PAS on small hatchbacks is a fairly recent thing, so extremely cheap shite options are slightly limited.

[Guest]

Replacing heavy steels with lighter alloys can help. I recommend the 1.6 GTi ones because they look GREAT.

[Guest Leonard Hatred]

Steel wheels are normally a lot lighter than most OEM alloy wheels.

The PAS was busted on my Clio, I found fitting 155 section winter tyres most helpful.

What's the engine size of your 205? I think it might have been fitted to XU-powered 205s only.

[dollywobbler]

Up the tyre pressures a touch? I can't imagine replacing a 205 rack is that simple, then you need all the pipework, maybe different pulleys to power the PAS.

[Lankytim]

Skinnier tyres help alot, failing that a complete donor car with PAS can give you all the bits you need. Im planning on doing this with my Maestro.

[MrDuke]

I would've thought that any improvement from weight saving would be off-set by the alloys being wider? Although I too would love to bosh a set of Speedlines on there! I've tried running them at the max air pressure, but it's still heavy as fook - which doesn't bother me, but it's not technically my car

It's an XUD (n/a), so not sure if that makes a difference or not. I'm loathe to get rid of the car tbh, as it's easily the most reliable and dependable car I've ever owned, and I 100% trust it not to leave the other half stranded anywhere. Plus, she actually likes it in other respects, which is incredibly rare where shite is concerned Then again, if I have to completely strip and rebuild the front end just to make it easier to drive, I really should just look around for something else I guess

[AlsoMike]

My 205 has PAS so i guess it must have been an option at some point, mine's a 1991 Auto. There's another Auto being broken on the Bay at the moment, it might have the goodies you are looking for. Or, I can sell you mine at a decent price and you can rob it for parts, cash in the tax and sell what's left to cover your costs.

[CreepingJesus]

This might be the daftest suggestion ever, but how about a bigger steering wheel? Granted, there might be wheel to thigh clearance issues, but the 205's tiller wasn't the biggest, so maybe a slightly bigger Mountney's extra leverage would help. It's a damn sight easier to fit than some second hand power assistance; and if it doesn't work, it'll be less time and money lost.

[Pete-M]

Have a look through GSF or ECP's catalogue. See if there are different control arms or hubs listed for PAS models. If there isn't, there's a bloody good chance that you could just drop the rack, bolt up the P/S rack, fit the pump and pipework and be on your way. Check you don't need to swap the column as well. It's unlikely, but not that unusual.

 

I did it to a Mk1 Punto for someone. Bought a bodily fooked Punto auto and fitted the engine, front struts, discs, anti roll bar, wheels, PS rack and pump setup to the car that was being kept. Made a massive difference to it as the car it was all fitted to was a manual and the auto is tuned for more torque. It's still going and it's rather good fun.

[Tayne]

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[Des]

I've improved / transformed a few cars steering by squirting half an oilcans worth of gearoil into the rackboots, but not sure if modern cars may not have bushes made out of something incompatible with proper oil. can also help to pop some oil under the boots of bottom joints, track rod ends, strut top bearings, even steering column bushes. Years ago I converted an old car to pas, using Maestro /Montego parts, was a hell of a job, then shortly afterwards electric pas columns got invented, very neat solution but slightly complicated by electronics wanting faggy little signals for vehicle / engine speed, there are black box emulators available, but again, a bit faggy.

[MrDuke]

Cool, thanks for all the replies people, I shall have a ponder. Ultimately, I may just tell the beloved wench to MTFU