Electric Power Steering
 

Just curious, what do you think of electric power steering (see: http://www.automotivedesignline.com/howto/165600237).

Flaming River has an aftermarket column (see: http://www.flamingriver.com/index.cf...rod/prd356.htm) that is an EPS column.

From what I have read, EPS suffer from numb steering.

Thoughts?

The new beemers have it to increase gas mileage. I can't imagine another motive.

the motive is speed-variable assistance... light steering for parking AND good feedback at the autocross :-)

They do it without electric power steering as well. My 04 545I had variable power steering. It was actually a cool feature. In a parking lot it didn't take much effort to park.

If speed-variable assistance were the only reason, there are other solutions available such as the Bishop variable boost valve (see: http://www.bishopsteering.com/downlo...st%20Valve.pdf) that can provide this technology to a modern rack and pinion unit.

From what I have read, the top items in the EPS slick sheet are no fluid leak and better MPG.

For those who have it, how is the road feedback? Is it truly numb?

Thoughts?

GM was doing that back in the 90's with there EVO on the C/K trucks. you need a steering wheel position sensor for it to work on the standard stile set up.

Ouch........ $5200!!!?!?!???!


--Eric

The number one reason for development, reduce parasitic hp loss, increase the almight MPG.

I'll buy the extra gas for $5200. WOW! :wow:

I heard exactly the same..... reduce engine hp loss on accessory drive components.


Hey Bow Tie: NW burbs, IL?.... My older brother lives in Lake Zurich. Are you near there?


--Eric

The FF 33 we built had the EPS option added, i would not say it is Numb, i thought it felt good, not really light not too heavy maybe not the best example since it only weighs 2200lb but the other saving grace was not having to mount a PS pump??? but the actual steering motor would be a hard fit in say a first or second gen

Yes mileage, but packaging and weight also come into play. No intermediate shaft, rag/universal joints, firewall penetrations, etc. make for easier packaging. It all affect weight, which equals mileage.

We make these at my company. IMO, they are not even close to being in the correct performance envelope vs. working space vs. cost for the cars we work on. Cost goes down on mass production scales, but it's very expensive, and legally muddy, to start dealing with these items on a small aftermarket scale.

I saw one going in a rustang at a shop I won't mention here... looked pretty dang high tech... and we discussed this "expense"....

I think it's like a lot of things - if you want bragging rights - and to have the latest greatest that nobody else has... that's one thing... if you just want to enjoy your car - they've been doing steering boxes and racks for about a bazillion years...

^^^^^^^

Bragging writes at a " Show and Shine " Whip - De - Do - Dah!!! I may never paint my primered beast, I'm having to much fun driving, racing, and upgrading.


My sister in law lives there, I'm in Elgin.

Really? So how do these (electric power steering - which only is different from hydraulic power steering in that its assist is electric) hook up to the rack etc....

Maybe you just invented true "drive by wire"? :hail: :hail: :rofl: