steering problems

[joseph henry]

Hi i have a 1984 1.3 toyota corolla no power steering and steering is very heavy....can i get power steering fitted to this car...and is there ways to lighten the current steering set up....

any help appreciated

thanks

 

[oldcodger]

Think fitting parts from later Corollas, either hydraulic or electric would be very difficult and expensive.

Appears there are companies who do offer retrofit power steering, though again expect they are not cheap.

https://easysteer.co.uk/

https://www.ezpowersteering.co.uk/

Given that your existing rack, column and track rods etc are in good condition and free to move, think the only other thing you could do is to ensure your tyre pressures are correct * and even try different tyres as some can feel lighter than others.

* do get your pressure gauge checked as its surprising how many are off , even a couple of psi can make the steering feel different.

[flash22]

a lot of steering conversions are done with the early Prius electric power steering motors, with no complex wiring just power, ground and ignition live (the EPS defaults into a failsafe mode)

[Red_Corolla]

3 hours ago, oldcodger said:

 

Given that your existing rack, column and track rods etc are in good condition and free to move, think the only other thing you could do is to ensure your tyre pressures are correct * and even try different tyres as some can feel lighter than others.

* do get your pressure gauge checked as its surprising how many are off , even a couple of psi can make the steering feel different.

I never encountered an unassisted steering system that was too heavy while on the move, it was always during slow maneuvers like parking that the difficulty presented itself. It's good to get into the practice of getting the car moving a little bit first BEFORE turning the wheels. I still stick with the same approach, even with the modern, over-assisted, electric systems. Much kinder to the tyres and track rod ends.