Has anyone looking into the Electronic Power Steering?

[426HEMI]

Has anyone looking into converting the Electronic Power steering setup that is on the Hybrids?  Like the one on the Prius?  I was thinking about trying that some day myself.  It runs on 12 volts and is in the steering shaft only.  It looks like it could be possible. 

[GoodysGotaCuda]

I've never considered it, i rather have mechanical parts between my hand and the tires. Not really sure what the advantage of it would be. Just my opinion, but thats just me!! If you have the drive, go for it! 

[426HEMI]

The advantage would be less weight and less drag on the engine which would be more HP and better fuel mileage.

[hemiken]

Hey Gordon,
I have a major custom project here i am building for another guy and we are looking into the electric steer for it.  Trying to clean up the engine bay of clutter and have less fluid leak issue by running electric.
Kenny.

[426HEMI]

What type are you looking into Kenny?  Will you let me know what you come up with?  Thanks  Gordon

[hemiken]

I think that their is an after market one done by Flamin river.  I will have to check.

[quagmire]

A lot of the hybrids use an electric power steering pump so they are still somewhat hydraulic.  The ones that are strictly electric mostly use a 3 phase DC power supply.  The last main type of electric P/S uses higher voltage and it may be A/C or D/C, I can't remember for sure.  All of them are still mechanically linked to the steering wheel so you can still steer if it fails, just like a conventional power steering unit.  And all of them require quite a bit of power to run.  Many of them are controlled by an external control module, while some of them are self integrated.  They are specifically calibrated to work with the vehicle they are installed in, and ones with active suspension need various inputs to function properly.

[HP2]

...and honestly, how much hp power do you really save? 5, maybe. Certainly no more than 10.  Pretty minimal and likely not a difference you could feel in a street car.

[422STROKER]

How about a manual gear?  They are Aluminum case so lighter and no drag on your Engine.

Tom

[426HEMI]

With this set up from Prius it could be a manual gear and it is all mechanical from steering wheel to gear box, the power is in between the steering wheel and gear box so it could be a manual steering gear.  I just wish I could post the picture of it.  Have not been able to make it small enough to put in here.

Gordon

[hemiken]

E-mail the picture to me Gordon.

[426HEMI]

It is on its way.  Gordon

[hemiken]

  Hey Gordon,  Here is the picture you wanted down sized buddy.

[426HEMI]

Thanks Kenny,

As you can see both ends of the shaft are splined and could be fitted or made to fit most anything and it is not too long either.  Gordon

[quagmire]

I'm pretty sure thats the 3 phase DC type, I dont remember what the current draw is on it in each phase, but the main power wires were pretty large on the one I saw in class.  I think it also has an integrated controller, but I don't know if it can run without any CAN bus signals from the main PCM.  I do know that the torque sensor is specific to each unit and must be dialed in.  I think there is a steering angle sensor on the column and a rotation sensor on the rack that must be used too.  Both of them are calibrated specifically to that rack so you may need to figure out a way to use the whole Prius rack.  I'll see if I can find any info on it in my CD from my stability control class.