Lagondaforum

Subject: Lg45 power steering conversion ?

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Has anybody had any experience of fitting a power steering conversion to an LG45 ? I have recently been afflicted by a very nasty rheumatic/arthritic condition affecting muscles and joints. This makes parking the Lagonda very difficult ! I am determined not to be beaten but need some power assistance for parking. It could be switched off (if electric) when on the move to avoid ruining the Lagonda experience. I would want to make the mod reversible (and not damage anything) and also as unobtrusive as possible. Any ideas anyone please ?
Thank you !

Subject: Re: Lg45 power steering conversion ?

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Hi Bill

There are power steering conversions available that are electronic but I believe installation requires the steering column to be cut. I am aware of a successful conversion using such a system on a 1949 car with a steering box very similar to a Lagonda. I also recall a Lagonda Club member making reference to such a conversion on his car, but cannot recall who it was.

Anyway, take a look at this company.
http://vintagepowersteering.co.uk/index.html

Best Regards
Mark

Subject: Re: Lg45 power steering conversion ?

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Thanks, Mark, very much for the reply.
I definitely do not want to cut the steering column !
I have a vague memory of someone using (or trying to use) something from the power assistance on an underground train door (!) but I may be wrong ! Also someone else possibly using a system from a 1950/60s car. It was electric and could be switched off when on the move.
I am interested in whether someone has actually done a conversion themselves. Otherwise I will have to change my parking habits !
Thanks.

Subject: Re: Lg45 power steering conversion ?

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Hi Bill,
Short of fitting power steering, are all the bearings in the steering column in good condition and well lubricated?
There are three ball races as well as the bushing for the drop arm shaft. The one at the top of the column, which is often ignored as getting at it means complete disassembly of the column, makes a lot of difference to how heavy the steering is
When I rebuilt my steering box I found all three of these ball races were in poor condition, despite there being little play in the steering and replacing them made the steering action much lighter.
I suspect many LG 45 cars have much heavier steering than need be due to poor bearings / lubrication.
A longer drop arm would make the steering lighter ( commonly done on Model A Fords in the USA) but would be expensive for a one off on an LG 45, as the arm mates to the shaft via a tapered spline and is a forged, safety critical item so would need to be properly designed. However this is a solution that could be easily reverted back to standard...the result would be lighter steering all the time of course!

Best Wishes
Bill

Subject: Re: Lg45 power steering conversion ?

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Thanks very much for the suggestions , Bill.
I think that the steering column is in good condition as I rebuilt it properly when I rebuilt the car. Only done about 12,000 miles since. However I will just check that. Thank you.
The steering is fantastic once one is moving. It is only the parking and manoeuvring which is the problem for me !
I could of course fit narrower tyres but I would prefer to have as much rubber on the road as possible !

Subject: Re: Lg45 power steering conversion ?

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Hi
Sorry for the late response. Bit busy

Try fitting the steering drop arm from a 2 litre
It’s a straight swap and because it’s shorter it significantly eases the steering effort.
Best of luck

Julian

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Subject: Re: Lg45 power steering conversion ?

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Surely the drop arm would need to be longer to make the steering lighter? Also a shorter arm could limit the amount of available lock, depending on the steering box design a propos the lock stops on the kingpin housing.

Subject: Re: Lg45 power steering conversion ?

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I have just fitted an electric power-steering mod to an E Type I am rebuilding. It's not on the road yet so I haven't tried it out, but everybody speaks highly of it. I think it was supplied by EZ-steer - the kit consisted of a complete upper steering column to replace the original. The supplier was completely unfazed when I asked if they did a kit for a 1917 American LaFrance which I am also rebuilding, so I would definitely speak to them about the Lagonda, although a complete column might be more challenging than it was for the E Type. Not cheap though, about $2,800 (Pounds!) if I recall. I don't have the contact details right now as I'm in the States.
Some people have successfully modified the electric steering ass.y from a modern car to fit an E Type, which would be a cheap way of doing it but a bit more work!
PS a longer drop arm will make the steering heavier, not lighter.

Subject: Re: Lg45 power steering conversion ?

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Julian and Hugo are correct, a SHORTER drop arm will make the steering lighter because the drop arm is the output lever from the steering box whilst the input lever length is the length of the rocker arm inside the steering box.
(Think of a "seesaw" in a playground and imagine the output shaft from the steering box as the pivot point)
A shorter drop arm will require proportionally more movement of the steering wheel and if made too short may limit the available lock.
Many apologies for my earlier misleading comment...must have been having a senior moment!
Bill
NB: The after market replacement drop arms commonly available for Model A Fords are of course made shorter!

Subject: Re: Lg45 power steering conversion ?

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To Julian and others, thank you very much for the input.
A shorter steering arm seems to be much the simplest initial step. I didn't realise that the 2 litre steering arm would be a straight swap !
So the hunt is on ! Anyone know of a spare one which is available ?
Many thanks for the help.