Nowadays, the majority of new automobiles feature EPS (Electric power-assisted steering). These systems take the place of earlier hydro-mechanical systems. Hydraulic systems require more space and consume more fuel. According to some gearheads, an EPS (or sometimes might be noted as EPAS) system causes the steering wheel to work excessively, which may disconnect it.
Modern electric-powered automobiles are remarkably similar to the earlier hydraulic-powered vehicles. They are in stark contrast to manual steering, which requires large amounts of power to turn the car wheels. Enthusiasts adore the sturdily built mechanical steering. However, those classy cars with manual steering can be significant when driving at low speeds.
Table of Contents
The vehicle steering system
Numerous components in your vehicle’s power steering system assist you in turning and steering the car precisely. Historically, automobiles featured enormous steering wheels and involved a great deal of muscle to operate them. Newer cars are also much easier to handle and steer as a result of technological advancement.
The main components of the power steering system include the wheel itself, the steering column, gears, hoses, and a steering pump. In ancient times, most automobiles used hydraulic steering systems, but the ideal has become more prevalent with the introduction of electric-powered steering systems.
The electric systems have additional mounted components like sensors, electrical cables, electric motors, and electronic control systems. Standard steering systems include;
- Hydraulic power steering system (HPS)
- Electric-powered hydraulic steering system (EPHS)
- Completely electric power steering (EPS)
Justifications for switching to electrically Powered Steering
When the steering wheel is turned, an EPS system can control a reduction gear, moving the pinion gear along with the steering rack. In the last few years, there have been improvements in the vehicle motor software development sector.
At all speeds, today’s EPS provides precise linear steering. That, however, is not all. Additionally, it offers the following benefits:
- Increased pump efficiency equating to cost savings
- There are no oil leakages, inflated hoses, broken steering pumps, or cracked drive belts to worry about
Since hydraulic systems are prone to failure, EPS helps you save money on repair costs.
Conversion Fittings for the Electric Steering
Numerous aftermarket manufacturers offer replacement parts for electric power-assisted steering. They feature a diverse selection of vehicles. This electric power steering equipment best works in Ford car designs. The engine chamber is made neat by swapping the steering components.
It is possible since the hoses and power steering pump have been repositioned. Different car versions can make use of the enhanced hydraulic system performance.
Conversion Kit components
Based on the steering make, the conversion kit may include the following:
- An on-board computer (control module for electric power steering)
- Acceleration sensor
- Permanent electromagnetic motor
- Harness wiring
Depending on the thickness of your established steering column, you can modify it to get the kit.
If not, you can seek guidance on steering column upgrades, which is available on most manufacturer’s websites. Due to the fact that the majority of kits optimize your vehicle’s existing steering wheel, there seems to be no visible difference in the compartment. The kit fits beneath the instrument panel and is powered by a 12-volt battery.
Specific aftermarket systems are restricted to steering-wheel torque. Others are capable of detecting wheel speed and feedback from the traction control system. Specific EPS systems include a default mode. In the improbable event of system breakdown, a warning light illuminates the dash.
The automobile is entirely safe to operate. However, the driver would need to navigate more aggressively without power assist. An electric steering assist system, on the other hand, uses an electric motor instead of a pump, thereby eradicating engine power loss. EPS kits are compatible with vehicles that have or do not have hydraulic-powered steering.
Generally, the advancement will result in improved steering performance. One needs to purchase the steering column spare parts, which will be a bit costly. However, these costs vary according to one vehicle’s model and how to use the steering wheel.
Aftermarket conversion kits
One could also purchase a used electric steering conversion kit available in various retail shops. Most of the time, they depend heavily on general motor systems or systems from different qualified manufacturers.
Such components mostly only need three cords to operate. These wires include;
- One wire for power
- A second one for the floor
- One for a steering sensor
The manufacturer units return to a standby mode if there is no mounted speed sensor and control unit. In the unsafe mode, the steering effort is small. Several kits make use of all new components, whereas others have reused components. The system is easy to maintain and offers a smooth steering performance once installed.
The electrical energy is negligible when the vehicle accelerates. EPS provides better control, bringing about an incredible feeling to the vehicle’s user. It also gives the wheels better fuel economy and more power.
EPS conversion
Mostly, it is necessary to exercise creativity when carrying out an EPS conversion. It is achievable to move the traction control pump using a secondary motor. However, the batteries will draw, resulting in a significant decrease in range. There have been several tests with the electrical control systems used by manufacturers in the recently introduced cars.
Changing to full manual control would be the best option. Although a few vehicles may never have been created with manual directing, discovering a rack or guiding gearbox without the power through pressure could be troublesome. Changing a PS vehicle over to acknowledge the manual gear from an alternate model is the most disturbing. However, the pump will leave you with no force help when you need it most, especially on stopping a vehicle.
One could establish the electric motor without having to change the entire steering system. This can be done by simply removing the appliances as possible and connecting the interfaces of the hydraulic systems with a portion of the pipe. Ensure you do this after you have filled the gearbox with the appropriate system oil. Naturally, this implicitly assumes that you’ll be doing some strength training to achieve the process.
Manual systems generally have a lower ratio, which means that turning its front wheels requires minimal exertion but increased wheel twisting. Powered steering gears have a higher percentage and therefore will need more power, though maybe not nearly more than when the engine dies and all bits have been removed.
Benefits of DIY steering conversion
To achieve a steering conversion, the process requires a lot of components and work. However, if you decide to keep your car enjoying a long time, and EPS is recommendable to achieve this.
DIY EPS conversion gives your car;
- Improved performance of the steering wheel
- Enhanced motor efficiency
- Less costly repairs in the future
Conclusion
Manually powered steering systems require a lot of power in driving an automobile. This could be tiresome to the driver. Such systems also consume a lot of system fluid compared to the electric power systems and may not effectively function.
The introduction of the new Electric power steering systems has made it easy to drive vehicles over a longer time. The designs have resulted in increased motor efficiency hence increasing the performance of the car. It also improves the performance of the car’s steering wheel, creating a better driving feeling for the driver. The above-discussed tips contain various guidelines on electric power steering conversion.