many newer cars have variable assist, at over xx mph the power steering is reduced or effectively disabled. this is how you want to do it, mostly you only need it when parking at 5mph or less, faster than that, it isn't needed,
and in fact the car handles better without it at speed.
knowing speed isn't hard, how to turn it on/off isn't so clear.
maybe a pulley clutch like an a/c is an option.
electric power steering is the simple way, but of course how to get
electric into the car is the question. prius has electric steering rack.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lasitter
I've reviewed a number of interesting threads here regarding electric power steering conversions. I'm looking for something SIMPLE that might work for my 1996 F-150, and this is what I'm thinking about:
Knowing when to run the pump and how hard seems to be a major issue with the OEM systems out there. I was considering a simple on / off operation when most needed, but don't want to use the manual switch method that has been discussed by others.
Since you only really need power steering during low speeds and parking, occurred to me that you might be able to wire a relay to the brake lights so that whenever you hit the brakes, you'd get power steering full on for xx (pick a number) seconds.
I also need recommendations for what would be an appropriate, well documented pump.
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