29 replies to this topic

[domdee]

OK guys calm it down and kindly be polite/respectful towards each other please. I think the guy understands that a lot of you don't consider power steering on a classic Mini to be necessary, so can we leave it there now please.

To the OP you do need to appreciate that this is a forum frequented by enthusiasts, who often consider the raw driving experience and lack of creature comforts to be part of the classic mini's charm. So suggestions of fitting things like power steering are likely to be met with some resistance here. I would also ask you not to try and circumvent the swear filter, particularly for such an offensive word. This is a family friendly forum, so if the swear filter doesn't like it, then basically you shouldn't be saying it here.

Thank You

apologies for using the c word. In hull it doesn't have the significance like it does elsewhere...

As for being an enthusiast... does owning 5 minis not make me one???

Id consider myself quite a 70% purist where minis are concerned. And Japanese imports had power steering dont forget.

[domdee]

 

What about fitting longer steering arms on the hubs? 
 
I'm sure one of the suppliers were selling these, and it made the steering much lighter but increased the turning circle.
 
I don't know if you need to fit stops at all though?

Weren't there spacers that fitted between the steering arm and the hub, that made steering lighter?
 
I read about them on here recently.
 

 
Longer steering arms will make the steering lighter, like using a pry bar when undoing a tight bolt. 
 
It's like being back in GCSE physics!

I might look into these arms fellas. Thanks!
Do you know any links for them?

[Mini Manannán]

If power steering would help my missus appreciate my mini I'd certainly go for it (she has arthritis in her wrists).

[Carlos W]

What about fitting longer steering arms on the hubs? 
 
I'm sure one of the suppliers were selling these, and it made the steering much lighter but increased the turning circle.
 
I don't know if you need to fit stops at all though?

Weren't there spacers that fitted between the steering arm and the hub, that made steering lighter?
 
I read about them on here recently.

 
Longer steering arms will make the steering lighter, like using a pry bar when undoing a tight bolt. 
 
It's like being back in GCSE physics!

I might look into these arms fellas. Thanks!
Do you know any links for them?

www.minitastic.co.uk

I've been racking my brains for ages

[HarrysMini]

If you wanted actual power steering in a Mini, you could have some kind of electrical system that you could attenuate or turn off completely. So when you're feeling lazy or are parking, you could turn it right up, if you were in the mood for a spirited drive, you could turn it off, or you could have it half way.

 

I think some modern cars do this. I.e when you press the Sport button, it firms up the steering.

 

I know my Mum, who has Carpel Tunnel Syndrome in both wrists would appreciate some kind of power steering in a Mini, mainly for when parking.

 

I wonder if you could get an EPAS system from a BMW MINI to fit on a Mini..

[Carlos W]

If you wanted actual power steering in a Mini, you could have some kind of electrical system that you could attenuate or turn off completely. So when you're feeling lazy or are parking, you could turn it right up, if you were in the mood for a spirited drive, you could turn it off, or you could have it half way.

 

I think some modern cars do this. I.e when you press the Sport button, it firms up the steering.

 

I know my Mum, who has Carpel Tunnel Syndrome in both wrists would appreciate some kind of power steering in a Mini, mainly for when parking.

 

I wonder if you could get an EPAS system from a BMW MINI to fit on a Mini..

 

People have fitted the Corsa system (linked previously in the thread)

 

Fiat had a city mode on their Puntos, but from what I can gather it wasn't amazingly reliable.

[HarrysMini]

 

If you wanted actual power steering in a Mini, you could have some kind of electrical system that you could attenuate or turn off completely. So when you're feeling lazy or are parking, you could turn it right up, if you were in the mood for a spirited drive, you could turn it off, or you could have it half way.

 

I think some modern cars do this. I.e when you press the Sport button, it firms up the steering.

 

I know my Mum, who has Carpel Tunnel Syndrome in both wrists would appreciate some kind of power steering in a Mini, mainly for when parking.

 

I wonder if you could get an EPAS system from a BMW MINI to fit on a Mini..

 

People have fitted the Corsa system (linked previously in the thread)

 

Fiat had a city mode on their Puntos, but from what I can gather it wasn't amazingly reliable.

 

Is the Corsa system electric then? Because I should imagine for the attenuation to work, it would have to be?

[ace01]

There was a feature on converting to electric power steering in a recent issue of Mini Mag.

 

I believe electric power steering has been used for a few years by auto testers in Ireland.  I'm told it provides an easier, quicker reponse.

[ace01]

I think also you should be wary of adding spacers etc, as that may induce some unpleasant side effects, bump steer etc.  I'm not professing to be an expert, just highlighting the potential.

[freaker]

as said above there was a write up of powersteering in mini magazine, you could even adapt the amount of "help" you got by turning a nop on the steering column.

 

thought the price they said for the package wasn`t to bad either

 

freaker

[Carlos W]

Well set up, properly adjusted and lubricated ball joints will make steering lighter too.

[Carlos W]

 

 

If you wanted actual power steering in a Mini, you could have some kind of electrical system that you could attenuate or turn off completely. So when you're feeling lazy or are parking, you could turn it right up, if you were in the mood for a spirited drive, you could turn it off, or you could have it half way.

 

I think some modern cars do this. I.e when you press the Sport button, it firms up the steering.

 

I know my Mum, who has Carpel Tunnel Syndrome in both wrists would appreciate some kind of power steering in a Mini, mainly for when parking.

 

I wonder if you could get an EPAS system from a BMW MINI to fit on a Mini..

 

People have fitted the Corsa system (linked previously in the thread)

 

Fiat had a city mode on their Puntos, but from what I can gather it wasn't amazingly reliable.

 

Is the Corsa system electric then? Because I should imagine for the attenuation to work, it would have to be?

 

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item2334510935

 

I don't know anything about fitting it, but it's been mentioned on here before!

[Mini 360]

And Japanese imports had power steering dont forget.

 

Nope.  Get a bigger wheel fitted to it and see if that improves it for her.  If not, then go down the power steering route.  Its a pretty complex job so if a new wheel works it saves a load of pain.  

[sonikk4]

Ok before anymore comments are made has anybody fitted the Corsa electric power steering to a mini??? If so then please contact the OP. This is what he wants to do then who are we to tell him otherwise.

His wife may have issues that prevent her from using the standard system. Think very carefully before anymore posts are made about more exercise etc etc.

[mab01uk]

There was a feature on converting to electric power steering in a recent issue of Mini Mag.

 

I believe electric power steering has been used for a few years by auto testers in Ireland.  I'm told it provides an easier, quicker reponse.

 

The Mini power steering feature is in the February 2014 Mini Magazine on pages 82-85 and shows how to fit the 1993-2000 Corsa B electric power steering column available as a kit for Mini's from Mtec Racing for £300 inc delivery (+ £50 for fitting if required). The system has been modified to be manually adjustable for assistance by a rotary knob on the column and can be switched off completely for the standard Mini unassisted feel. Minimum mods are required (couple of holes drilled in bulkhead) so it is easily reversible if you ever want to remove it. I can't see the kit on their website yet though:

http://www.mtec-racing.com/

Edited by mab01uk, 11 April 2014 - 08:55 AM.