Power Steering

[bogster]

Troops,

I'm planning on putting the power steering option into my De Dion. Has anyone done this yet and if so do you know if the mechanical fuel pump will definitely get in the way? I know that you can fit the mechanical pump with the standard steering column but I would presume with the increase in attached wigets that you have to install an electrical fuel pump in the remote position on the chassis beside the diff?

Any pics?

[Steve]

afaik the dax system replaces the upper column, leaving the lower part of the column unchanged,

[prodrive]

Hello Bogster,
my de dion has an electric fuel pump fitted i will post a few pictures of its location . as for power steering i havent heard of anyone yet having it fitted. i would like to know if its a worth while exercise as my car is very heavy to drive . at present iam removing my electric pump and going to a manual. thought it was to vunrable were it was situated , plus had problems with it stopping pumping on the odd occasion , and you are usually in the town centre or at traffic lights when it happens.

[bogster]

Thanks for the pics prodrive :thumb:

When I had the test drive in the Dax De Dion demonstrator early this year the steering was well balanced and I understand that it had the power steering fitted. I think it will be worth it.

Thanks again

[Miket]

Originally Posted by bogster

Thanks for the pics prodrive :thumb:

When I had the test drive in the Dax De Dion demonstrator early this year the steering was well balanced and I understand that it had the power steering fitted. I think it will be worth it.

Thanks again

I've got power on my AK, it totally transforms the handling, no serious kickback in the steering when you hit potholes and manhole covers, once you've had it you wouldn't go back.

Saying that, I don't know if the Dax electric version will have the same feel as AK's BMW rack with fluid pump.

Good luck on whatever you decide to do. :thumb:

[Nobby]

Bogster, I've fitted the DAX power steering and I have a mechanical fuel pump as well. No problems with the lower steering shaft clearance, (the shaft is the same as non power steering version anyway) It's close but doesn't hit.

The difference in steering effort is amazing. Quiet in operation as well. And easy to fit - which for me is a bonus!

I bought for the second hand set up as I'm a cheapskate!!

I also went for the mechanical fuel pump as I didn't want to have hassle fitting a fuel cutoff etc etc. My 383 was dynoed at 434hp and runs perfectly with an Edelbrock mechanical unit. Dave B said mechanical was the way to go so that's what I went for.

I posted some pics of the lower shaft clearance in an earlier post about mechanical pumps. I can email some to you if you like?

Go for it!!

Cheers

Nick

[bogster]

Nick,

thanks for the info, could you send me the pics as they would be most
useful.

What distance from the top and side of the footwell wall did you install the bracket for
the steering column? I take it this is very important to position correctly
or else the steering will clash with the mechanical fuel pump.

thanks for the help

Colin

[Nobby]

Here you are Colin. The shaft measurements on the engine bay side are 60mm down and 60mm Inboard but if you look at the picture inside the driver's footwell I made sure the bracket was as high as possible, the top left bolt is touching the side if the footwell. Shows how much of a gap I have between the Ally panels and the fibreglass!

Clearance by the pump is about 5mm.

Cheers

Nick

[john w]

Hi Nick

What vehicle did you get the power steering off.

John

[Nobby]

John, I bought it from DAX but I believe it comes from a Vauxhall Corsa. It's electric not hydraulic.

Nick