Quote:
Originally Posted by Daox
The Honda link was interesting, but obviously not focused on fuel effeciency. I don't think my power steering is sucking up anywhere near 5 horsepower, let alone 8.5.
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You would be surprised to see how much power it takes to spin the PS pump at 2000 to 3000 rpm. Its especially noticible on small displacement engines. My 1.8 BMW picked up 3mpg by going to manual steering and the power gain allowed me to go to a taller differential without giving up acceleration.
A simple solution I'm working on for a heavier FWD Volvo 850 is to replace the PS pump pulley with a clutch pulley from an AC compressor with a switch in the dash. Turn it on when I need it (slow speed city driving and parking) and off the rest of the time. Its just an idea at this point but to me it seems like a cheaper simpler solution.
Electric PS load can overpower your existing alternator. Most EPS systems have a built and capacitor to absorb the load spikes as well as speed and agle sensors to give the appropriate amount of assist.
Quote:
Originally Posted by NoCO2
Since you're removing a component from the serpentine belt. However, how hard is it to find a belt that will fit the new pulley configuration once you've done it? That's my only concern with removing the power steering from my Camry is that I won't be able to find a belt that will fit the new pulley setup.
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Use a piece of wire to measure the length of the new belt routing and take that number to any auto parts store. Serpentine belts are available in 1/2" increments. Usually the last 3 digits of the part number represent the length. So XXXXXX375 would be a 37.5" belt. The same is true for V belts. You also have to make you to get the correct width and number of ridges. The hard part is finding an employee that can do more than just look up parts in the computer.
cheers
Justin