Electric power steering

[Bernard]

Well I'm not as well-off as Phil, so this is my three-ha'porth

Might it be possible to connect this up via a switch, so it only operates when you want it to, i.e. at parking speeds? FIAT have a system on their cars that utilizes a "CITY" button, that makes the steering one-finger light - similar idea, but a full "on/off" for our cars rather than an "assisted/don't breathe on the wheel or else" thing?

You don't hear this often............................ good idea Norm !!

[strat24v]

The columns don't work like that. If one was fitted and the assistance went off, you wouldn't turn the wheel.
Most used option is a Vauxhall column with an aftermarket little box that is switchable to increase or decrease assistance. Punto unit is too big, Seicento has exactly the same diameter column tube as your typical x19 so your stalks etc fit straight on.

[ProtoTipo]

The columns don't work like that. If one was fitted and the assistance went off, you wouldn't turn the wheel.

I had a late Vauxhall Corsa B with electronic power steering. The car developed a throttle mechanism problem while it was still under warranty.
The engine went onto a limp mode on high revs. I switched the car off just before steering into a fuel station forecourt and suddenly I could hardly steer because of the big difference between with assistance and having none. I had another Corsa B with no power steering, but the rack on that one was much lower geared.

[STR_Strat]

I have fitted my LB with EPS. It uses a Corsa B column including the ECU and ignition barrel. The Corsa B is getting more scarce now but is a better fit than the now more common Corsa C due the overall length being near as dammit the same as the Fiat X1/9 column. LB now have a bracket designed for this to be a straightforward fit to the chassis so it bolts straight in.
There are a few challenges if you want to use the X1/9 stalks, which I did. The outer column housing needs to be cut back in length and a new top bearing made, you also need to modify the self cancelling indicator trigger. All doable but it takes time and a lathe and some fettling to do.
As for the control, I have fitted a black box that has an input from a speed sensor and then sends a signal to the Corsa EPS ECU. This has different assistance settings which are programable to switch at different road speeds.
Obviously I haven't tried it at speed but for manoeuvring on the drive (rough tarmac) it is an absolute dream. In the event of a power failure then the only difference is a small amount of additional drag as you are also spinning the motor by hand.
Once I get the car on the road I can do a full report on how it works, as Craig has already said I should be able to increase the castor angle to improve straight line stability.

If anyone is contemplating fitting EPS then feel free to get in touch.

Dave

[Normb666]

Cheers Dave, that's very informative...I had a proper read of the info from the manufacturer mentioned at the start of this thread, which I should've done before asking that question about on/off switches. Similar to what you've got, the motor is permanently powered, even at minimum assistance. I like the idea but I think for me, at the mo, it'll be enough to be worrying about just building the thing and getting it on the road! (no, haven't got a chassis yet, but soon...it says here.) Assume your setup, with the special LB bracket, is retro-fittable? - so could be an upgrade once my arm muscles have degenerated even further?

[ChrisCar6]

The bumph tagged in the first post shows an "EPAS ECU" with a "speed or map" input - sounds like it could be mapped to give varying assistance at different speeds.

[strat24v]

They do that already, it's just that one can be custom configured. Have you seen a price for it?

[FastByFelix]

I custom fitted a Saturn Vue EPS to my LS1 V8 Miata. Driver selectable assist. It is a clean install on the column but you do loose some feed back from the car.

[ducatiman]

Here is a comparison of lengths between the X 1/9 shaft, Corsa B and Corsa C EPS shafts.

Approximate lengths:
X 1/9 - 405mm
Corsa B - 420mm
Corsa C - 580mm








Both the Corsa B & C shafts are collapsible and you can also see that the front mounting of each shaft has special inserts that will break and allow the shaft to shorten if required in an accident.

[Stradale493]

Following this thread with interest. I've picked up a Corsa B EPS column "just in case" I decide to go down that route at some point in the future - certainly prices were steadily rising and reasonably priced items seem to get snapped up pretty quick. No hurry for my though as I don't currently mind the weight of the "shoulder powered" steering