38 replies to this topic

[joshspragg]

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.

if it makes you feel any better i dont like, shorties, convertables, engine swaps or air conditioning.

[dave1293gt]

I thought air con was std on most minis.......... Badly fitting doors, holes in the floors, suspect gearlever gaitor. Lol

[jamesmpi]

I thought air con was std on most minis..........l

It is, it's called a window!

[mab01uk]

Try this link below for details on using the Vauxhall Corsa EPS Column in a Mini

FAQ - Mini Electric Power Steering:
http://www.16vminicl...ead.php?t=16507

(Despite what some say it is possible to have good 'sporty' power steering with plenty of 'feel' in modern cars..........for instance read any road test of a new MINI and the direct 'go kart' feel steering is praised for feedback. Rover designed the original Electro-Hydraulic ps system with the distinctive whine as fitted to R50/53 Mk1's and BMW replaced it with a fully electric ps column for the R56 Mk2).

Edited by mab01uk, 25 January 2012 - 07:49 PM.

[jamesmpi]

Try this link below for details on using the Vauxhall Corsa EPS Column in a Mini

FAQ - Mini Electric Power Steering:
http://www.16vminicl...ead.php?t=16507

(Despite what some say it is possible to have good 'sporty' power steering with plenty of 'feel' in modern cars..........for instance read any road test of a new MINI and the direct 'go kart' feel steering is praised for feedback. Rover designed the original Electro-Hydraulic ps system with the distinctive whine as fitted to R50/53 Mk1's and BMW replaced it with a fully electric ps column for the R56 Mk2).

I completely agree with you. But I was making reference to the fact that simply bolting on a kit to your existing rack isn't necessarily the answer. ;)

[ANON]

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

you've got legs and i assume aren't struggling to walk, so why buy a car?

[AbitNutz]

It's true, it's only at parking lot speeds that this comes up. I have 215/50-13 tires. When things get going a bit it's of course, no big deal. I cranked my Mini up to over a 100mph yesterday for the first time and I do think it needs some realignment. It does keep my wife from driving it. She absolutely can not turn the wheel at slow speeds.

At a 100+ steering was no issue at all, it was however so noisy I thought I'd gotten out of a rock concert. It has Hushmat and pretty reasonable sound deadening. It's all exhaust noise. I have to find a muffler that fits in the place of the the larger roll of paper towels that it has now.

[joshspragg]

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

you've got legs and i assume aren't struggling to walk, so why buy a car?

thats a rubbish response, i'm not driving a car to go down my street, i'm driving a car to get somewhere far and quickly. power steering isnt needed in a mini. thats all i said. of course everyones gonna kick off because their auntie hasnt got any muscles and cant turn the wheel but would love a mini so she must fit power steering. but come back with a better response please.

[mk3 Cooper S]

Supprised there has been no mention of the fact that most have removed the original bus sized steering wheel and added wider wheels/tyres.

As standard and granny or child can turn the wheel on all occasions.

If you have upgraded and need p/s then the balance between parking steering assistance and higher speeds requires certain calibration and tuning for optimum. As a minimum a road speed input.

[ANON]

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

you've got legs and i assume aren't struggling to walk, so why buy a car?

thats a rubbish response,

exactly, as is 'if you are struggling to turn the wheel why even get a mini?'

hence me saying it.

[Mini_Magic]

power steering isnt needed in a mini.

Not for you perhaps, but not all people have the same strength to turn the wheel. Even people who are the same age may find it a struggle.

So should we exclude anyone who wishes to own a classic Mini but isn't as strong as you or I? I hope the Mini scene never becomes so exclusive and picky as that.

[mab01uk]

Supprised there has been no mention of the fact that most have removed the original bus sized steering wheel and added wider wheels/tyres.

As standard and granny or child can turn the wheel on all occasions.

If you have upgraded and need p/s then the balance between parking steering assistance and higher speeds requires certain calibration and tuning for optimum. As a minimum a road speed input.

Exactly right..........as standard the steering effort on a Mini is fine but add a smaller steering wheel, 6x13" wheels with 175/50 low profile tyres and the heavy steering effort required at parking speeds is bordering on unacceptable for some, particularly women and older drivers. One of the reasons I went back to 10" wheels recently was to get back some of that traditional Mini steering feel and lighter steering.

Edited by mab01uk, 25 January 2012 - 11:22 PM.

[AbitNutz]

There's no hope of going back to 10's, even if I had any desire to do that. This car has 4 piston alloy manual calipers on it and I wouldn't trade them for anything. Again, slow, parking slot speeds, it takes a big foot to stop but at higher they bleed off speed like nothing I've ever driven, completely controllable, great feel, straight as an arrow.

I'm hoping that when I go to Toyo Proxem's 225/45-13's I may just care less about parking lot speed. I think there's a chance that the Toyo's may really change the way it handles at speed,

[malynch27]

Before you start chopping up a Corsa for the bits and plumming it into the speedo somehow to get the forced feedback set up properly, why not try some of those lengthened steering arms? Ok you will have the turning circle of a barge, but if you are sporting 13's and a tiny steering wheel then the turning circle will be the last thing on your mind!

Just a thought.

[AVV IT]

"Mini-Magic" why on earth are you putting yourself through all this again so soon?? We only had this debate just over a month ago and as I remember you conceded that you weren't going to win that time either....

I give up, you win.

Power steering is evil and should never be fitted to any car, especially a Mini. Why that is I don't know.

..... now shhhhhh before someone starts on you for not having a roof again!!!

Edited by AVV IT, 26 January 2012 - 03:08 PM.