Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Power steering?

I should add that I've got a smaller steering wheel on my Roadster as I'm quite a big chap - I didn't want the wheel on my knees.

I forget this important point when I talk about the Roadster being heavy at low speeds. My choice of steering wheel has made a difference. A big difference.

Well lots of input on the Power steering front... traditionalists sure don't like it, but Power steering is coming ...Having driven the the new car with power I would not have a new one with out it.
Will I pay the price to up grade my current car, may be not.

I am going to fit AVO dampers to improve the ride and handling along with Brake reaction bars and increase the tyre pressures a little.Bigger leather rimmed steering wheel too.
Any thing that improves the enjoyment of my Morgan is OK with me. I'm not a traditionalist for the sake of it.
The Morgan is not a sacred Cow that cant be changed or modified it evolves with the times.
Is it the time for power steering? The factory think so.

Having laboured for years with ''Traditionalistas' with Astons (for example), I'd say that you should do whatever brings you pleasure!

If yours would benefit from power steering - go for it.

I've never driven a Morgan with it (not many if us have) so it's hard to comment.

My own philosophy is 'less is more', however, if the lack of an enhancement was eroding my pleasure - I'd add it. Immediately.

Apparently, the Roadster power steering is only going to kick in on lower speeds, which is somewhat better than full power steering. I can still live without it though.

Also, if its going to be standard on the Roadster does that mean you will have to pay not to have it (rather like the Traditional Hood, which used to be the standard default hood).

See March Miscellany page 36 for PAS prce list

I've just had electric power assisted steering fitted to my 1998 Plus 4. It's completely transformed the driving experience. It's wonderful! I would definately recommend. If you want more info. contact me.
Mike

You must have a long extension lead?

somewhere in the archives is my long posting about my power steering. My roadster is 2005 model and had nylon bushings, the steering was ghastly as soon as the bushings warmed averything groaned and seized. As I take the car to client's houses I'm often parked in a tight space on their drive and getting the car in and out of little spaces was a nightmare.
Richard Thorne's electric conversion thing is fantastic. Transformed the car. Parking is a doddle but there are two terrific consequences. One is that the assistance gradually diminishes once you're over a certain speed. Richard can adjust that figure; I believe mine is set at 14 mph. The second thing is that the unit acts as a damper so the whole car feels more stable. The assistance that remains at speed takes away the "heaving at the steering" I had on the car (and on my plus 8 before) and refocuses the driver's attention on the back wheels, as I believe (for me) is best.
The consequence of fitting it is that the car feels (and in fact becomes) everybit as chuckable as a 4/4, light and grin making fun, but with the power of the roadster....it's a seriously good enhancement. You don't have to believe me; try a demonstrator....it just improves the car no end. Of course, I don't have the new bladeless bearing front end so maybe those don't need it. But an early Roadster is transformed I assure you.
2T of joy though - quite expensive.
PS I had a little work done to the car by a Morgan trained mechanic. When I went to collect the car he said "that's the best steering I've ever seen in a Mog,how is it adjusted? He hadn't realised it was assisted at all.............
Nick

An old thread, but time for revival. Just fitted PAS on my Roadster a week ago. First I tried a +8 with PAS fitted, was not too impressed. Then I did a 500 km trip in one day, and arrived quite exhausted. I do not do that kind of journeys often, but it was so tiresome that I thought what the hell, let's go for it. Now I am really impressed! I completely agree with nick w above. Maneouvering at slow speeds is a breeze, consequently I do not hesitate to go into a parking lot or narrow steets downtown. When spirited driving at medium speeds on twisty B-roads, the car is absolutely "chuckable", and feels much more controllable and thus safer. Bump steer is practically eliminated, the steering wheel MUCH calmer. Same on high speeds on highways, but as the steering get almost too sensitive, I reduce the PAS boost manually with a little knob under the dashboard. The Duthc EZ-steer has both an automatically progressive PAS and a manual version, I was given the latter. That is ok with me, I prefer to be in charge myself, setting the PAS to my taste, the road conditions and driving style of the day. There is a difference between a blast with only myself in the car and a leisurely cruise with my fair lady beside.
I used to be reluctant to PAS, maintained that I could easily steer my Roadster with the throttle, at least when driving in a spirited way. That is true, but does not solve the slow speed problem. And I would have to go on-off the throttle all the time, changing gears ever so often. Good fun, yes - but quite tiresome in the long run. So I will definately not change back. The elimination of the bump steer and the calmness of the steering wheel was an unexpected bonus.
I have to add that my Roadster is well cared for from beforehand. The front suspension is always greased, the (Devol) bushingsand kingpins are so far ok, crosshead stays and steering damper are fitted, the road wheels are well aligned. Still, PAS made a huge difference. I think a 4/4 or +4 will benefit less than a Roadster or +8 with their heavy engines, but benefit for sure - although at a price.

Nick and Robbie, very interesting observations, I have BRB's on my Roadster that that narrows the turning circle, so makes tight parking a chore. Power steering is not something I had seriously considered, but maybe I need to try a car fitted with it.