38 replies to this topic

[AbitNutz]

I've heard that under fits of insanity people have managed to fit some sort of electric power steering in a Mini. Is this true? I'm led to believe, from what little I can find about it that these installations, is that they're one off creations by talented individuals. Which means that there are no kits available.

I'm quite sure that I'm up to figuring all this out on my own. I'm also sure that my successful installation would amount to either both front wheels turning in opposite directions or the left rear wheel acting like it was on a swivel.

I can follow reasonable directions, and do some not too crazy modifications but not invent systems...so a kit is the only way this would work for me.

[belky90]

this goes the same whay of a quiestion i have read in the mini world mag. "whould it be possible to fit some sort of automatic choke to my 87 mini?" and they was only one possible answer why bother? there is a lack of room anyway and it would require quite a bit of work and custom parts. so the same to this question Why bother a mini doesnt have that heavy steering, a cheaper way is to just get to the gym ;) haha

[cooperdan]

There is a power steering kit on the market,

But seriously for the cost of it, really, really isnt worth it..

[joshspragg]

you dont even need powersteering for a mini. and if you are struggling to turn the wheel why even get a mini?

[Beej123]

If you want it, go for it, ignore people who try to say you shouldn't have a mini if you want luxury, we went down this route before on a central locking thread. My advice, ignore Josh and if you want a kit go for it!

There are vauxhalls that use electric power steering units and I know a few people have used them for the conversion. You can buy a kit but they are expensive! It would probably be cheaper to pay someone to modify a vaux unit.

[ANON]

i was going to say 'prepare to have people bitching at you' but it's already started.

look at the vauxhall stuff.

[cooperdan]

If i wanted to bitc*, Hell id rip them apart like chicken wing..

Just mentioned that from cost point seems drastic, but hey if they want to do it...go for it..

Edited by cooperdan, 25 January 2012 - 05:24 PM.

[jamesmpi]

But it is worth pointing out that if you do decide to go down the route of installing a power steering kit, then you do run the risk of loosing the unique "feeling" that you can from a mini thanks to its simplistic set up.

If you were to talk to any engineer within a motor manufacturing company they will tell you just how difficult it is to find a balance between "easy" or "light" steering which is useful when in carparks etc and "weighty" steering that lets you feel the road and that gives you confidence to chuck a car into a corner and know that it will stick.

But as said above, if you want it, go for it. Just remember to take note of the pros and cons

Edited by jamesmpi, 25 January 2012 - 05:27 PM.

[cooperdan]

But it is worth pointing out that if you do decide to go down the route of installing a power steering kit, then you do run the risk of loosing the unique "feeling" that you can from a mini thanks to its simplistic set up.

If you were to talk to any engineer within a motor manufacturing company they will tell you just how difficult it is to find a balance between "easy" or "light" steering which is useful when in carparks etc and "weighty" steering that lets you feel the road and that gives you confidence to chuck a car into a corner and know that it will stick.

Touche.....

[minisam92]

there was a guy selling a kit on ebay dont know if he does any more it was £300 and was NOT for road use so i dont no if it would be road legal or not
just my 2 pence worth

[dave1293gt]

Try driving a mini set up for the track with a proper lsd. Then you may know why 'some' would say ps would be a god send. I think quite a few Miglia cars may have it. I know i wish mine had.

[joshspragg]

maybe i should be so harsh when i say what i do. i'll just add this on...

buts its totally up to you, your car, you do what you want! (power steering is still crap tho)

[dave1293gt]

I remember a miglia being set up at Mbe when i was there one day. It had an electric conversion, but i am pretty sure the owner had it set up to turn off above a set speed. Best of both worlds. All depends really on wheel and tyre set up, camber ect ect as to if its really needed. And of course personal preference.

[yeti21586]

this has been covered qutie a fiew times before the search function is feeling a little bit left out bless it

here ya go the other thread about it

http://www.theminifo...power-steering/

[Mini_Magic]

Why does everyone always have a go at someone for wanting to fit power assisted steering to a Mini?

It seems to happen every time one of these threads comes up, it baffles me.

Apparently shorties, convertibles, engine swaps and air conditioning are all okay but not power assisted steering.

Anyway to answer the original question, it seems most people who don't get burnt at the stake tend to fit Vauxhall Corsa PAS as it's cheap and readily available.