Jos
Rover Rookie
Posts: 39
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Post by Jos on Nov 27, 2021 13:57:34 GMT
The standard power steering at the P5B is certainly vague. Which was preferred 50 years ago. Steering had to be super light, perhap that’s why the Queen loved her P5B. At low speeds that’s quite alright, but cruising in modern motorway traffic at higher speeds is interesting to say the least. Changing camber and/or caster can certainly be a solution. But I have chosen to replace the original power steering box by a Volvo 164 box which fits with some modifications. It has been discussed earlier in this forum. It fits my requirements excellently. Though heavier steering at lower speeds, at higher speeds the car is much more stable and high cruising speeds are effortless. Recommended.
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Post by johnwp5bcoupe on Nov 27, 2021 14:11:38 GMT
The standard power steering at the P5B is certainly vague. Which was preferred 50 years ago. Steering had to be super light, perhap that’s why the Queen loved her P5B. At low speeds that’s quite alright, but cruising in modern motorway traffic at higher speeds is interesting to say the least. Changing camber and/or caster can certainly be a solution. But I have chosen to replace the original power steering box by a Volvo 164 box which fits with some modifications. It has been discussed earlier in this forum. It fits my requirements excellently. Though heavier steering at lower speeds, at higher speeds the car is much more stable and high cruising speeds are effortless. Recommended. Sorry I don't agree with the vague feeling of the Hydrosteer Box, "IF" it's set up correctly it is more than fit for purpose at any speed, the problem is setting up the pinch point for most guys it's a case of trial and error adjusting the worm set screw! setting it correctly makes a huge difference. The Ackerman, Castor and Camber are the same whichever box is used. A bit more Castor as has been discussed several times would help with self centering and handling but that's not the fault of the box!
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Post by Ken Nelson on Nov 27, 2021 14:45:47 GMT
I'd have to agree more with Jos. I drove a lot of 60's American cars back in the day with that same vague steering, so I also put in the Volvo 164 power steering box on my 3-litre Coupe and while it is a bit heavy when parking, it has a very nice feel on the highway.
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Post by enigmas on Nov 27, 2021 21:52:31 GMT
Hi Ken, which power steering pump (Volvo or Rover) do you run with the alternative Volvo power steering box?
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Post by Phil Nottingham on Nov 27, 2021 22:01:36 GMT
Actually I agree with the somewhat vague steering comment for a P5B but certainly its not on our P5 Coupe or our P4 100 with a ZF power box from the early 1980s. BLMC just did not want to spend money on a 10 year old outmoded car which had recovered its costs. I just enjoy driving them both.
Both our P5s do now have radial tyres as I found the P5 and P5B almost frightening being driven on X plies in the dry but especially on wet roads at speed arounds corners etc. Good tyres make a real difference.
Quite a lot of brand new BLMC RWD hire cars I drove in the mid 70s were awful at motorway speeds even in a straight line with unassisted steering even without X winds. I coped with it.
Other EEC continental manual steering cars I drove at the same time were far superior in all respects as to steering (and other areas)
I think it is all about what you were used to in the past and what you put up with at the time.
Nowadays, I have longed liked them all, but automatic P5s and P5Bs as standard are entirely acceptable as easiest to drive. As is the manual gear change unassisted steering with the Mini and the 2 Series LRS. The unassisted steering on the P2 with its Freewheel and the converted (ZF W German hydraulic box) steering and overdrive almost as good as the P5s.
Having driven modern cars I am certainly convinced that I would not bother with them as a means of transport unless as a last resort as a passenger in a taxi but a bus would be the 1st choice
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Post by Ken Nelson on Nov 28, 2021 15:00:53 GMT
Hi Vince, I use the Rover generator mounted power steering pump and it works fine. I did have to hook it up to the box using a UNF to metric thread connector.
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Post by gordon on Sept 5, 2022 16:35:33 GMT
Hello All, I am a new 1966 P5 owner ( I have been around P6's for years) and I am impressed! Although the car is in excellent shape I knew there would be a surprise and a project not apparent to the previous owner (who only drove it maybe 8,000kms in 12 years) or myself. Turns out there was a steering box leak from the cap bolts which was rectified with copper washers. However the ATF rotted all the rubber bushings on the LH side. They are now replaced but I want to flush the PS system. Is modern Dexron compatible with the initial ATF Type A spec? I do have the manual and have read a bit about adjusting the steering box. With the engine off there is about 10* of slack at dead centre, I left it where it was initially for now. Before and if I try adjusting it are there any suggestions? The P6 is easy with manual steering but I don;t want to cause any wear or stress...on the car that is
Cheers, Gord Langley BC Canada
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Post by enigmas on Sept 5, 2022 23:47:29 GMT
Hi Gordon, the adjustment on the top of the PS box is a very sensitive adjustment. If you must, adjust it a couple of degrees or two, then check its operation. Adjust it too judiciously and the box could lock at centre steer at its high spot.
Major leaks usually occur at the base of the box where the pitman arm fits. There's a design flaw that can be fixed using specialised tooling, but not by a home restorer. Dexron ATF in the box is fine. I've been using it for 30 years in the power steering system.
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