Power Steering

[mightymouse]

Has anyone had experience in retro fitting PAS to a 350i or know of someone who can do it ?

[adam quantrill]

When I bought my 350i it didn't have PAS and I had an old rack and pump salvaged off my previous car, which I intended to fit.

However after a couple of months I had got used to the heavier steering and I never bothered. Without PAS you get a better feel for the road surface. The only downside is flicking the car round mini-roundabouts - much easier with PAS!

So - if you've just bought your wedge - give it a few month first.

[wee man]

adam quantrill said:

When I bought my 350i it didn't have PAS and I had an old rack and pump salvaged off my previous car, which I intended to fit. However after a couple of months I had got used to the heavier steering and I never bothered. Without PAS you get a better feel for the road surface. The only downside is flicking the car round mini-roundabouts - much easier with PAS! So - if you've just bought your wedge - give it a few month first.

I quite agree with Adam. I have had a similar experience.

Plus none of the engines power is used for the steering, it all goes to the wheels.

[350matt]

You might want to check the bottom ball joints as well as if they seize up thay can add considerably to the steering effort!
not to mention eventually snapping off!

Matt

[mightymouse]

Many thanks for advice people.
Will try first.

[SEvans]

If you do decide that you want to fit P/S then it may be worth doing a search on the wedge Forum as this question has been asked before. The consensus seems to be that if you have a later style chassis where there are no tubes to get in the way of the P/S rack then it is certainly possible. Earlier cars are more of a problem as you would need to modify the chassis to get it to fit.......or find a suitable alternative rack.

[shpub]

There is no alternative rack that will fit unless the chassis has been designed for it. If the tube is dead straight and goes cloes to the rack then you can't upgrade.

Steve

[wedg1e]

This looks like the right pump, but the bracket is different to the one on my car (a TVR bodgification )...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10414&item=4547076881&rd=1

[mightymouse]

Many thanks for everyones help.