can you add PAS or Power Steering?

[C9SRi]

can you add PAS/Power Steering to a Mk3 astra ( - 1993)

also...

''In August 94 saw a new 'V' grille, slimmer headlamps, standard PAS,
modified front suspension, gas shock absorbers and other detail changes.
CDX versions from April 95 launched with alloy wheels, CD player and
metallic paintwork.''


does that apply to every model mk3 from 94?

[SimonP]

Yeah, PAS became standard on all V-grill models.

Also, PAS can be fitted to a non PAS car. You'll need the pump, PAS pipes (there are quite a few), rack and fluid header tank.

Also the larger belt for the PAS version for your engine.

[C9SRi]

cheers Simon.

[Haynzee]

and the bottom pulley

[OllyHewitt]

so... how much... roughly... would it cost to add PAS to a car (Astra MK3 - k reg 1993)

because i need it!!! badly... and gonna get it... just didnt realise it could be done

thanks peeps!

[tomstickland]

You don't want PAS! It's extra weight, power loss and loss of
steering feedback.

However, if you really do want it then you need:
double pulley crank pulley
PAS pump, bolts onto engine block (holes already there)
PAS belt
Reservoir - bolts on Battery tray in MK2
Bits of pipe
PAS rack
different flexi coupling to steering column

[astraderv]

I converted my Mk3 Astra Merit to PAS a while back. I found it necessary on my (everyday then) car - especially as I used it for work. Yes, I know it reduces feedback, extra weight etc etc but I wouldn't be without it now.

The O/S engine mount sometimes needs to be changed to accomodate the PAS pump - mine didn't have the brackets.

As well as there being a couple of different racks, there's also a few different pumps out there - most obviously, the pulley diameter.

The steering column flexi coupling did not need to be changed in my case. I believe all Mk3's had the same bit.

The reservoirs are all the same and do, indeed bolt onto the battery tray, inner wing. You'll need the clips to screw the bolts into.

Most of the systems on Mk3's have cooler pipes which run on the other side of the rad, by the bumper. SRi / GSi has long coolers - others have short, or none at all. I don't think it really matters.

Your crank pulley should be a double one allready if you have the (earlier) v-belt pulleys as oposed the the later wide belt.

Buy some new clips for the front panel to pipe brackets, they always break when u disturb them.

You need the rubber block between the rack and bulkhead thats intended for PAS - the manual one is too large.

I say go for it - it will be much easier to get all the bits off the same car - then you will know everything matches.

GOOD LUCK!!
Astraderv

[tomstickland]

especially as I used it for work.

Flappin wimp! I drive my car every day almost and I've done loads of long journeys in it. No problem with manaul rack!

[OllyHewitt]

thanks people.... now doubting whether to do it...

how much would all that cost do you think?

[tomstickland]

Quite cheap if you got the bits from a scrappers, or someone who'se binning it. Under £100 for the bits I'd hope.
Fitting it would take up to a allowing for working out how it goes together. It'd be easiest if you saw a car with it in.

Up to you. When I removed my PAS I kept all the bits in case it was unliveable with. It took me about a day to decied the non-PAS was better.

[OllyHewitt]

nice one tom...

will enquire about it... just need to find someone whose done it before.... to give me a hand... unless its easy first time

thanks again mate

[C9SRi]

Originally posted by tomstickland
You don't want PAS! It's extra weight, power loss and loss of
steering feedback.

that same with power steering? yeh?

[OllyHewitt]

Chris... you DO know that PAS and Power Steering is the same thing dont you... PAS = Power ASSISTED Steering...

it sounds like you talking about them as two different things...

[C9SRi]

i thought they were

Power steering being full power steering and power assisted is kinder 1/2 power?

ah fek lmao

[OllyHewitt]

now youve mentioned it... im not 100% sure to be honest

i think they are exectly the same

[MK2_ASTRA_SXI]

Power Steering is a god send to me, as for the last 6 months its been faulty so i disconnected it and was driving using a pas rack but no pas....do you understand how heavy the steering is especailly with 205/40/17's

BTW why is this thread in STYLING??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

[tomstickland]

A non running PAS rack feels heavier than a manual rack. Ask Animal. Also it's not good for the rack because they work by means of a torsion element. So essentially the link from input shaft to the rack is not strong; it's designed to twist.

[DarrenH]

yeah agreed, the PAS rack works by forcing hydraulic fluid in at either end of the rack depending on which way you turn the wheel. If the pump is disabled you have to force all the hydrauilic fluid around against its natural flow as you steer, hence why its so stiff.

[MrPlum]

I have power steering on my Mk3 and to be truthfull its pants...
OK its a heck of a lot easier to park but you just dont get the feedback on corners and motorways.....
Easier to skuff ya wheels to which really anoys me..

[adamSRi]

Olly and Chris;

PAS and Power Steering are the same thing. PAS or Power Assisted Steering is just the technical term for power steering.

Just to clear up any confusion

[OllyHewitt]

Thought so!