Hi everyone,

Following a long-term MK2 restoration I decided to see how I would cope with the manual steering box. Bearing in mind that my car is now a heavier 4.2 and is fitted with 185 radial tyres I suppose it was no surprise that the steering takes quite a lot of effort at low speeds. Some years ago I bought an XJ6 rack, together with the mounting brackets for the MK2 crossmember. However, after reading various posts it would seem that there can be problems with this solution, resulting in tyre wear and squeal. My new approach is an original Burman Power Steering box (just purchased). Unlike the later Adwest box this one (and the 2nd version made by Hales) can be fitted to a standard non-PAS
crossmember (the Adwest requires a hollow cut-out next to where the box sits). So far so good. Obviously I'll fit new seals to this Burman unit but the problem I now have is that
I have fitted an alternator in place of the original dynamo. The original pump is fitted to the back of the dynamo so another solution has to be found to provide pressure. I am
considering the fitment of a Vauxhall Astra electric pump (as supplied with the Wilkinson PAS rack kit). This appears a straightforward fit with just 3 or 4 electrical connections plus the fabrication of the low and high pressure pipes. Another option was to use an XJ6 S1/2/3 pump/reservoir but it appears that space could be a problem.

The purpose of this post is to see what other members think - has anyone else done this conversion and, if so, what problems did they encounter, if any. I've tried to research but cannot find the psi output of the Astra unit - manuals indicate that the MK2 works at around 850psi.

Any comments or observations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

 

I don't know about the Vauxhall unit. I have seen though that there is an alternator disguised as the "proper" dynamo which you could then do a bolt on of the "proper" pump. Maybe not the cheapest way, but straightforward has its advantages sometimes. My 2 cents. Regards,

 

Hi Jerry,

Thank you for your observations - I must admit that's not an option I looked at. I've done a bit of research this morning and there are two companies (Retroair being one) that sell such products. I'll look into
their prices etc before I make any decisions (To be honest I'm looking for the most economical route). Thanks again. Regards Keith

 

I agree about economy, but had to mention it. Economy is why I did Not update mine!

 

CaptainQ:
If you add the power steering pump at the back of the alternator (xks.com has a kit), the coupling isn't rubber mounted like the one from Jaguar.
The coupling, or lack there of, is metal on metal contact and the uneven load on the pump causes the metal parts to wear out pretty quick and the power steering pump will suddenly stop turning one day.
I don't know if they've remedied this problem, but it's something that you need to know about of you go that route.

 

Ideally when upgrading to power steering you should upgrade the drop & idler arms to the beefed up power steering units. The standard drop & idler arms are easily bent if you turn against a curb etc. once power steering is fitted.





PS Drop & idler.





Puny non PS drop & idlers arms

 

Thank you both for your sensible comments - I'll certainly take note.