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Post by corbinsteel on Jun 14, 2011 18:06:14 GMT
Sorry to ask but the search facility here is poor, so is there any information or knowledge available in this forum for a power steering rack conversion that eliminates the steering box of the rover p5b. Has it been done before and is it worth the hassle, and what parts are recommended. I'm thinking it would improve the drive ability and may be cheaper than replacing the steer box. Thanks
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Post by Phil Nottingham on Jun 14, 2011 18:37:29 GMT
I have heard it has been done but I really its not really worth the hassle and at present no real benefit.
Why are you asking
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Post by corbinsteel on Jun 15, 2011 5:51:15 GMT
Driving a car with a steer rack is precise, rover steer box's are not the best and comparatively expensive. For future reference it may be prudent to have an alternative arrangement using readily available parts sourced from other vehicles available as a kit from the rover club maybe? Wondering if anyone in the p5 club has the skill to undertake this idea?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2011 9:59:26 GMT
I think the only advantage of R&P steering on a P5 would be as insurance against the cost of replacing the current box. Otherwise, I think the whole exercise is not really worth the bother.
I have found by choosing the right tyres, that the steering is perfectly acceptable bearing in mind the whole design concept of the vehicle... ie, it's not meant to be chucked around and I would never expect my 40 year old Rover with its 1958 suspension layout and leaf springs to out perform my 2011 Ford Focus!
I speak from the lucky viewpoint of having an original steering box which still refuses to leak!
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Post by Warwick on Jun 15, 2011 11:24:41 GMT
Driving a car with a steer rack is precise, rover steer box's are not the best and comparatively expensive. For future reference it may be prudent to have an alternative arrangement using readily available parts sourced from other vehicles available as a kit from the rover club maybe? Wondering if anyone in the p5 club has the skill to undertake this idea? The RCCA in Melbourne was working on a rack & pinion conversion about 4 years ago. Not sure how it progressed. The Volvo ZF conversion would be very much simpler for similar results - but as Crossplies says, the chassis design itself is a significant limiting factor; especially when you consider the weight of the car.
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Post by redsunbeam on Jun 15, 2011 14:41:38 GMT
I contacted the Aussie boys that Warwick mentions last year, they were trying to fit an SD1 rack using the steering box and idler mountings so no mods were needed to the subframe. Last i heard they had one fitted to a spare subframe but hadnt tried it in anger. There are a couple of people that have fitted BMW racks, me being one. I couldnt say how easy it is to do on a standard car as mine has a lexus V8 engine and available space differs.
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Post by stevew on Jun 16, 2011 6:46:28 GMT
I contacted the Aussie boys that Warwick mentions last year, they were trying to fit an SD1 rack using the steering box and idler mountings so no mods were needed to the subframe. Last i heard they had one fitted to a spare subframe but hadnt tried it in anger. There are a couple of people that have fitted BMW racks, me being one. I couldnt say how easy it is to do on a standard car as mine has a lexus V8 engine and available space differs. Hi redsunbeam, I've been wondering how your car is coming on? Very interested in your alterations. How about an update. PM me for a chat if you don't fancy posting up on here.
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Post by pipetech on Jul 30, 2016 21:43:28 GMT
Hi i have a p5b with stock 3,5 rover engine. Steering box is leaking so i want to convert to rack n pinion. Do you know if anyone has actually done this conversion. Ive seen several posts saying , used bmw rack, or whatever but no one ever states which model it came from or what year model it came from, or any problems in doing conversion. So im still guessing. I may just have to go to the scrap yard get a rack and make it fit, it would be so much easier if i knew what would actually fit. Making, adapting, machining etc is not a problem for me. By the way just to add im not intending to return car to original, im making a hot rod from it. Anyway if you or anyone else can shed some light on this dark subject i would be very greatful.
Cheers
Len
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Post by enigmas on Jul 31, 2016 7:46:57 GMT
Look for Nodsmods under the Modified section of the forum.
Also look for the Volvo PS box conversion.
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Post by enigmas on Jul 31, 2016 13:11:59 GMT
Hi Len, If you're going to attempt to fit a steering rack bear in mind that the task involves more than just fabricating brackets to fix it to the front subframe.
You'll need to understand some basics on steering Ackerman and how to ensure the system doesn't create uncontrollable bump steer.
1. For instance, the inner pivot points of the rack need to pivot in alignment with the lower suspension arm inner pivot points. 2. The steering arms need to be heated and bent so that an imaginary line passed through the attachment point at the kingpin/upright and the steering tie rod end intersect at the centre of the differential for correct ackermann function. 3. Note that the steering arms point forward and not to the rear of the car, so the appropriate steering rack needs to be chosen.
These are a few of the essentials you need to keep in mind before any fabrication occurs.
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Post by pipetech on Jul 31, 2016 17:36:16 GMT
Hi Len, If you're going to attempt to fit a steering rack bear in mind that the task involves more than just fabricating brackets to fix it to the front subframe. You'll need to understand some basics on steering Ackerman and how to ensure the system doesn't create uncontrollable bump steer. 1. For instance, the inner pivot points of the rack need to pivot in alignment with the lower suspension arm inner pivot points. 2. The steering arms need to be heated and bent so that an imaginary line passed through the attachment point at the kingpin/upright and the steering tie rod end intersect at the centre of the differential for correct ackermann function. 3. Note that the steering arms point forward and not to the rear of the car, so the appropriate steering rack needs to be chosen. These are a few of the essentials you need to keep in mind before any fabrication occurs.
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Post by pipetech on Jul 31, 2016 17:39:54 GMT
Much appreciated info there, thankyou. That is why I asked if anyone had fitted a specific make and model of rack, i.e. same pivot points as lower arm. Unfortunately I'm still none the wiser. If anyone out there has successfully fitted a particular power rack, could they please let me know. Unless its a secret. Cheers Len
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Post by enigmas on Aug 1, 2016 6:23:07 GMT
Len, I'd hazard a guess that no one has fitted a rack and pinion system who is a regular contributor on the forum but I believe Bismire may have on his professionally'rodded' P5, but don't quote me on this.
Nodsmod (modified section) has, but it's hooked up to a custom altered Jaguar front suspension so it's of little relevance to a P5 running an OEM front end.
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