Rover p6 steering box compatiability

Anyone know if the later type (Burman) steering boxes fitted to 2200cc Rover P6s are a direct swap for the earlier type? I was about to swap the one on my 1972 2000TC for one I'd bought off eBay when I realised that they look rather different. The manual identifies my eBay bargain as the later type, but doesn't say whether it'll still fit. I'd rather not remove the worn one until I'm sure of a replacement.

Reply to
Willy Eckerslyke
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Chances are that it is. Later s/boxes are usually made to fit the original cars, rather than modifying the cars to fit later boxes.

That certainly goes for the SD1. AFAIK they fitted a manual box, and 3 different power s/boxes. Burman, Alford & Alder, and Cam Gears. All used the same mounting points, and were interchangeable.

What does vary though, are the pumps and mountings. The SD1 had different pumps according to which box was fitted. I don't know if they are interchangeable on the P6, I suspect not, so you may need to source an appropriate pump with it's mountings.

Should be easy enough to check, by measuring the mounting points in relation to the column shaft and ends of the rack, and comparing them with the one fitted. Mike.

Reply to
Mike G

Thanks Mike, that makes sense.

It's manual steering, so at least that's not an issue.

Trouble is, the wiper rack has to come out before the inner mounts can be seen properly, and that means removing the top panel first. Neither are especially difficult, but it all adds time. And I could still find that the column has a different number of splines or is a different length...

I've only decided to do this now, because the engine's out of the way. While it'd be nice to sort out a few problems while it's convenient, I don't want it to drag on for too long.

I do have a "spares" car with the older type box in good nick, but still haven't decided whether to break that one or fit a diesel engine as discussed a few months back. I do know that if I start removing parts from that one, I'll never get it back on the road.

Reply to
Willy Eckerslyke

None of the four cylinder models had power steering - much though they needed it. The V-8s had lower geared steering and power wasn't even an option 'till about half way through the model run. Men were obviously men in those days.

As regards the SD1 racks some had specialised mountings made specifically for the rack - so were only interchangeable if you had those. Which sometimes you don't if buying an exchange one.

Reply to
Dave Plowman (News)

Trivia

Thats the "plenum chamber" cover, interesting meaning.

plenum - an enclosed space in which the air pressure is higher than outside enclosure

or a structure consisting of an area that has been enclosed for some purpose.

A lot of terms have now been lost and new ones have taken there place especially in the rubbers and felt bits spare parts.

Just an thought.

r
Reply to
Rob

Yup. IIRC the Alford & Alder box had bent MS straps holding the rack whereas the Cam Gears one had cast ally blocks, but it was a long time ago when I changed from one to tother, so I may be wrong. Same mounting points though.

AFAIR I have a manual steering rack for an SD1. Any idea if it's worth anything? Mike.

Reply to
Mike G

They're about 50 quid exchange for a recon one from Rimmers if that helps. Suppose someone racing one might want manual steering - but I doubt any would for road use.

Reply to
Dave Plowman (News)

Cheers Dave. Well I won't chuck it straightaway, so if you hear of someone who wants it, they can pick it up for nothing, (Horsham W Sussex area) or the cost of P&P. Mike.

Reply to
Mike G

For anyone interested, I can happily confirm that the later type steering box (from 2.2 litre cars) _is_ a direct replacement for the earlier type (from 2.0 litre cars). Swapping them was a little involved, but nothing too difficult. The wiper rack has to come out first, which means removing the plenum cover (thanks Rob!). I find it easier to remove the bonnet too so that the rack can be twisted 180degrees to lift out. The brake fluid reservoir has to be moved because it bolts to the old steering box, but can't be bolted to the new one. I moved the coil to the front of the brake servo (the mounting holes line up perfectly) then made a bracket to mount the fluid reservoir where the coil had been. This is close enough to its old position not to effect the pipework.

A helper is needed when lining up the splined input with the steering column UJ. And then again when you have to do it a second time after finding that one of the mounting bolts won't fit and has to be replaced by a stud and nut!

Reply to
Willy Eckerslyke

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