The benefit of power assisted steering used to be reserved for only the luxury and highly prestigious end of the car market, but these days power steering is now fitted as basic standard equipment on even the smallest of motor cars including the MGF sports car. Congestion on today’s roads coupled with the popular use of low profile wider tyres for improved handling at speed has made power steering a necessity and eliminates much of the stress and strain.

Advancements in design and manufacturing technology have brought about electro-hydraulic steering systems that are efficient, compact, economically priced and straightforward to install. The MGB has kept up with many driving improvements such as 185 width tyres as a popular recommendation, performance engines to keep pace with modern traffic, telescopic dampers, urethane suspension bushes and slotted brake discs with kevlar pads to name only a few. With the MGB power steering kit the MGB has been brought right up-to-date, providing effortless parking whilst retaining its traditional positive road feel and secure handling. The results are so impressive that MGB owners are invited to try it out for themselves by booking a test drive at Club HQ.

The MGB power steering kit features all brand new steering components including, steering rack with hydraulic power arm fitted, an electro hydraulic pump, straightforward wiring to existing connections and an exchange MGB cross member with modified rack mountings. This article features the straight forward fitting sequence to install the conversion onto a chrome bumpered MGB model in less than a day using the detailed fitting instructions supplied.

The full installation kit including modified cross member.

Remove old steering rack, disconnect brake lines and link arms to anti-roll bar.

Support the cross member from beneath and release the four nuts securing the cross member to the chassis. The complete assembly can now be removed to a bench.

With the cross member assembly removed from the car, this provides an ideal opportunity to check and replace and worn suspension components, particularly king pins, bushes and shock absorbers.

Reassemble using the modified cross member and refit to the chassis.

Connect the intermediate column to the rack using the special bolt and nut supplied.

Mount the steering rack onto the cross member mounting brackets, whilst guiding the intermediate column into the universal steering joint. Then connect the track rod ends to the steering control arms.

Unbolt the oil cooler from its mounting and mount to the new base plate. Bolt the base plate to the original oil cooler mounting position.

Secure the pump mounting cradle to the base plate.

Secure the pump into the cradle and its earth strap to one of the mounting bolts.

Cut a 45mm diameter hole in the offside radiator diaphragm as shown. Place the edge trim around the hole. Pass the two hydraulic pipes and the red pump feed wire through this hole.

In accordance with the fitting instructions, connect the hydraulic pipes to the pump and reservoir at one end and the steering rack at the other. Note that hoses should not press or foul other components.

The hydraulic reservoir can now be filled with Castrol TQD 11 power steering fluid.

Position the two relays and fuse box on the offside inner wing using the self tapping screws. Following the wiring diagram in the instructions, complete the straightforward connections. (For early MGB models with dynamos, it is recommended that an alternator be fitted to upgrade the power supply and very early positive earth cars require polarity change to negative earth.) Check that brakes have been bled fully and that you have a solid brake pedal, start the engine and top up the power steering fluid. Work the steering wheel from lock to lock five or six times. Centre the steering wheel and finally adjust the tracking.

“My MGB is fitted with fifteen inch alloys, shod with 185/65 15″ Yokohamas. Whilst this combination gives great grip and sure-footed handling, the drawback is heavy steering when parking. Now having test driven an MGB with power steering conversion fitted, parking is a doddle with virtually no effort required. Now I am sure my wife would be happy to drive the car and park it safely and comfortably. At higher speed the steering, although lighter, remains responsive with plenty of road feel and even through bumpy bends the line remained consistent and predictable. When can I book my car in?”

“My everyday car is a BMW with power steering, and I am used to driving MGBs on a regular basis. The heavy steering of an MGB is immediately noticeable to me and I think this conversion is long overdue. I wonder just how many are driving an MX5 or MR2 instead of an MGB solely because of the lack of power steering?

Like Richard, I found parking easy and I could concentrate on positioning the car rather than working the steering wheel. On the road the steering felt very responsive and with this MGB’s lively performance it was really pleasurable to drive.”

If you are interested in power steering for your MGB and would like to book a test drive, please telephone the Club on 01954 230928 or 231318.

Available direct from MGOC Spares for MGB 1962-1974 chrome bumper models. The kit is available in two forms:

Option One: Complete with ready modified and powder coated cross member. (Exchange £75 surcharge for old serviceable unit applies). £1,350.00

Option Two: Complete with steering rack mounting brackets for welding to your existing cross member. £1,250.00 (£50 refundable surcharge for the bracket locating jig applies.) Telephone MGOC Spares on 01954 230928 or 231318