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Electric power steering ?


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Just curious what people think about this idea for power steering. I've seen some different builds trying to get the steering geometry right and modifying power steering racks to fit and work proper....

Well i came across this...

 

Screenshot_20180313-084511.png

 

Why couldn't this be used?

It Says it can be used with a manual steering box and works with larger tires for offroad, so it should turn a datsun..

 

I know there are different steering columns, some exposed and like mine it's inside a tube... I think this would be easy to do for some and a require more fabrication for others but not alot to make it work....

 

Screenshot_20180313-092112.png

 

Any opinions?

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https://www.ebay.com/itm/Saturn-Vue-Ion-Chevrolet-Equinox-Electric-power-steering-controller-box-EPAS-/182283275302?hash=item2a70ee0c26:g:uVAAAOSw4GVYJv77&vxp=mtr

 

 

Saturn Vue - from 2002 to 2007
Chevrolet Equinox - from 2005 to 2007
Pontiac Torrent
Saturn Ion - from 2003 to 2006 - only in steering column with metal ECU case.

 

 

http://forums.vintage-mustang.com/mod-custom-forum/670865-anyone-want-100-electric-power-steering-here-you-go.html

 

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/171027023129?rmvSB=true

 

 

edit.... Before I forget... the previous info I posted was provided by Laecaon.

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Interesting....

Have seen other motor driven PS units, but never seen one with a stand alone electronic module.

 

I had no reason to change the rack on my Cressida, but wanted to dump the stock belt driven pump, but because of a 2:1 steering quickener, still required power steering. So the Toyota MR-S electric pump fit the bill.

 

MR-S_PS_pump-1.jpg

 

It has all minimum required electronics built into it, like automatic digressing power assist, that the faster the vehicle speed, the less assist it gives, on a linear rate. 

And someone has come up with a $65 plug-in module that gives you the ability to program the assist rate.

All it needs is hoses to my rack, switched electrical power, and a speed sensor input.

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I saw something on tv they were upgrading the utv steering with electric and getting the 2:1 ratio also....

 

mike and matt.... i had a closer look at the 600 unit it is infact just a modified chevy equinox unit, with the extra parts..

 

So a junk yard unit plus the controller mike posted you get the same thing for under 200 ...

Seems like the only other stuff you get for another 400 is the spline adaptors..

 

I might be heading to a pic and pull and see what they have and how much for one..

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Is power steering of any kind really needed on a non-lifted 2WD Datsun?

Probably not but it doesn't hurt... also from what I've been reading it acts like a steering stabilizer also which is nice when you accidently hit that pot hole on the highway...

I just like the idea of not having to involve the engine with this type of a power steering mod, if it fails your back to manual steering and you can still drive..

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Is power steering of any kind really needed on a non-lifted 2WD Datsun?

 

You can get by without it and your arms will develop if not already. Wider tires are a bit more work to park.

 

Two things come to mind. Driver fatigue... a day of driving a 521 or 620 or weelin' and YOU KNOW IT. At the end of the day you need to be able to drive home safely. Accident avoidance (handling) is preferable to good brakes. My 620 grew to 3,500 pounds with the SAS, 33's, trans case, springs etc. I had to go PS and can say that I could throw it into the other lane with the flick of the wrist faster than two arms when it was at stock weight. Very comforting to know you could throw that truck around like that with one arm. Around town and parking was a breeze. A third thing would be just getting too old to bother working so hard driving. 

 

 

Before I forget... the previous info I posted was provided by Laecaon.

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www.Zpowersteering.com

Ya I saw their sight.... $1500 and you have to send them your column..

Kind of high but they do use a new motor. And when its done you just bolt it back in... still your paying about half for parts and half in labor...

I don't know what it would actually take to mate the 2 so I don't really know if it's high or fair....

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I saw something on tv they were upgrading the utv steering with electric and getting the 2:1 ratio also....

 

mike and matt.... i had a closer look at the 600 unit it is infact just a modified chevy equinox unit, with the extra parts..

 

So a junk yard unit plus the controller mike posted you get the same thing for under 200 ...

Seems like the only other stuff you get for another 400 is the spline adaptors..

 

I might be heading to a pic and pull and see what they have and how much for one..

You can probably find the right splined couplers from Borgeson or Sweet Mfg, or maybe an OEM application.

 

Maybe you don't even need fully splined couplers. You could have your shaft machined for DD coupler with two flats, or you could even weld a coupler to the shaft with the opposite end splined for the motor.

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I have used the unit pictured in the original post a few times. Once in a sand car build. An MGB to Datsun  conversion and oddly enough on my quad. Works pretty well. I've been able to find them for $500+ when needed. Clearances were an issue on the MGB . There is a lot going on,  on the driver side if running an L series motor. Especially when running duel carbs and power brakes. 

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Very true on the L motor ... my thought was to modify the column inside the cab.

I'm hoping I can get a junk yard one just to tear apart and experiment with....

Probably be good idea to find a spare column for the 521 to mod instead of the one I'm using...

 

Boxcar do you remember if the unit noisey?

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No none of them were noisy per say. You could hear nothing but turbo whine in the sand car . The MGB was just a slight hum when used and the quad , well I cant hear anything with the engine running. .

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  • 1 year later...
On 3/13/2018 at 6:52 AM, datzenmike said:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Saturn-Vue-Ion-Chevrolet-Equinox-Electric-power-steering-controller-box-EPAS-/182283275302?hash=item2a70ee0c26:g:uVAAAOSw4GVYJv77&vxp=mtr

 

 

Saturn Vue - from 2002 to 2007
Chevrolet Equinox - from 2005 to 2007
Pontiac Torrent
Saturn Ion - from 2003 to 2006 - only in steering column with metal ECU case.

 

 

http://forums.vintage-mustang.com/mod-custom-forum/670865-anyone-want-100-electric-power-steering-here-you-go.html

 

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/171027023129?rmvSB=true

 

 

edit.... Before I forget... the previous info I posted was provided by Laecaon.

How does it install

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From the eBay listing text:

These steering columns can have two problems:

  •  It can be slightly softer to turn left than right (or the opposite).
  •  When you turn steering wheel, the steering system can turn off without explanation. 

The first would be annoying as hell,

but the second is a big No Erucking Way, Jose !!

 

Metric to US steering couplers are hard to find, and I think I tried both those above mentioned sources, they didn't have them.

I did eventually find a source to install a Howe steering quickener into my Cressida.

 

How does that GM unit install into a Datsun ?
I think that if you are asking that question, there is a very good chance that you can't handle it.

 

Edited by G-Duax
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No worse that throwing a power steering belt or blowing a hose. The steering still works but effort increases. I built a PS for my 620. Driving through deep water the steering would suddenly become very heavy. 

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You are comparing apples to oranges Mike, or more like comparing fresh fruit, to something that has been sitting in a trash dumpster to a week.

Dumpster diving will most likely make you sick, but fresh fruit shouldn't.

Your two examples come from poor maintenance.

This GM conversion, the guy selling the control box states that the system can fail at any time.

Besides, who in hell wants to keep reaching for a knob to adjust while driving ?

Edited by G-Duax
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Not talking about the cause of the failure. I'm pretty sure you can still steer it manually, albeit with increased effort, if there is a failure just like a failed brake booster or failed hydraulic power steering. I doubt the steering just stops. All three are power assist so all are apples or all oranges

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