Meastro - Power Steering?

"Kalico" mumbled:

There's not particular reason why not. The PAS rack off any of the other models (and for that matter the Montego) will fit, the steering geometry is said to be the same (at least, there's not difference in the part numbers of things like hubs and so on).

The hardest part is going to be fitting a PAS pump to the A-series engine, but I've seen an A-series Metro adapted like that so it can be done. I guess it'd be a lot easier on the Maestro 'cos there's so much more room. And of course, making sure the pump's going the right way rond!

First thoughts would be to get a second waterpump pulley and mount it over the existing one only the other way out. That'd give you a well centred pulley (you can use the existing four bolts) and offset the thing well clear of the rest of the engine. The pulley's a little small...it's possible that it'd turn the PAS pump slower than ideal, but then I ran the wife's old petrol Maestro at about 500rpm so that it didn't creep forwards on the auto box and the PAS still worked fine then.

Then some welding using canibalised bits and I reckon it'd take you an afternoon to make up something robust and perhaps another hour or two to swear at the bolts that hold the rack on 'cos they're hiding under something.

The only big cloud on the horizon would be whether the exhaust leaves enough clearance...but the, thinking about it, the engine's the other way round in a Maestro, so the downpipe's at the front and should run well under the rack.

Hmmm, should be possible and cost not much more than the rack and pump if you're handy with a welder and a grinder and don't mind improvising.

How about using an electric pump? A quick walk around a scrappy reveals many new small cars making use of them (Pugs in particular), and it would mate directly to pretty much any rack. As long as the alternator has enough output of course.

Grunff mumbled:

Hmmm, good idea. You'd have to make darned sure the electrics are well installed, but yeah, that's neat.

Already done that Gaz. If I put any more in it could run on rails. Also, if she had an accident there could be questions.

Thanks though. Rob

Wow! Thanks for all that info. It might be a bit difficult to do but I might give it a go since otherwise it is going to the scrappy's. Pity since it runs a treat and has only 38,000 miles on it from when we got it new. But I doubt anyone would pay anything for it.

The thing is that my Mum has just had an operation and cannot easily turn the wheel. I bought her an Escort with PAS but forgot about it being 2 door and she has difficulty turning round to pull the seat belt forward. Doh! Plus, she doesn't like the spoiler on the back. Just cannot please some people.

The MOT is up on this Maestro and unless PAS is an easy option there is not much sense throwing good money after bad. I'll ahve to see how much I could pick the PAS rack up for. At least, like you say, there is loads of room under the lid, not like the disposable cars we have nowadays (rant! ;-)

Thanks for the advice anyway. Rob

PS. IF anyone wants a mint Escort 1.8 Si 2 door 1998/R, please let me know.

Have you considered getting a power steering column (rather than rack) from a small fiat or vauxhall?

MrCheerful

Slightly OT for this thread, but is all electric power steering as horrible as the Puntos? Seems bloody awful compared to the steering feel in my Ka (though it is much lighter than the Ka's steering).

Don't know - I've never actually driven a car with electric power steering - just seen them in scrap yards ;-)

In what way is it horrible? Judder?