Electric Clutch Power Steering

[Frank Lee]

Maybe a bigger reservoir or a cap/reservoir thing could be fabbed up to contain the displaced fluid. Or perhaps it can be run a bit low intentionally so that it is less likely to puke up. Or probably being very vigilant about not making large lock-to-lock maneuvers when the power is "off" would take care of it.

[autoteach]

All I know is that when we push a ford out or back in to the shop it sprays everywhere. It doesnt take long for it to overcome the airspace in the reservoir.

[dcb]

ah well, keep the level under observation and see if it stabilizes I guess.

[JasonG]

Flyby post:
Some sports car company was making speed sensitive steering, but i don't remember who.
Guess they were being ecco and didn't know it !

[Dr. Jerryrigger]

It would be rather simple to rig up a limit switch so that it turned on after 10deg of turning, but that may kill you. Also some switches at the base of the shifter could make it be on for 1, R and maybe 2, but it would shut down between gears. With big bag of switches and a micro possessor you could rig up something almost safe (until a switch breaks).
I just hope a deer (or a kid) doesn't jump out in front of you when you have it off, and your going slow (but not slow enough to stop).

Originally Posted by JasonG

Flyby post:
Some sports car company was making speed sensitive steering, but i don't remember who.
Guess they were being ecco and didn't know it !

I think most car companies are doing that now, at least on some models. My girlfriend's '89 Toyota Cressada has it (though it was one of the first cars to offer it), every Subaru 2000 or newer has is. It's not rigged up the same way, and may not help over all eff at all, as far as I know it was only advertised as a "better feel for the road" type thing.

[ECONORAM]

Originally Posted by RobertSmalls

If you want to convert to electrohydraulic power steering, you could source a 12V GM power steering pump, which I'm pretty sure are not just a figment of my imagination. But it wouldn't really solve the problem unless it has a good controller that shuts the motor off when you're not steering.

VW has a speed sensitive steering of sorts, and I know you can buy an electric ps pump for Toyota MR2s and for Ford Escort Hybrids.

I have been researching a similar idea, but using an electric motor to drive the ps pump via a belt. Grand plans include a shut-off at approx 25 mph which should help cut fuel use...

[dwtaylorpdx]

Random INput.....

BMW and others are using full electric power steering with no hydraulics.

I think the gear selected assist is the best, You already have the reverse light switch just attach a second switch for 1st gear, even an automatic would work with it... You could add a RPM switch to prevent it from activating if the RPM's were too high to save the clutch.

A dirt track pump would be a better choice than the ford or use a Jeep wrangler pump, it has a remote tank as well and its tiny... They also sell very lightweight and strong steering racks.

Dodge trucks have a electric clutch on the fan.... And its whomper...

Dave

[dcb]

Originally Posted by Dr. Jerryrigger

It would be rather simple to rig up a limit switch so that it turned on after 10deg of turning, but that may kill you. Also some switches at the base of the shifter could make it be on for 1, R and maybe 2, but it would shut down between gears. With big bag of switches and a micro possessor you could rig up something almost safe (until a switch breaks).
I just hope a deer (or a kid) doesn't jump out in front of you when you have it off, and your going slow (but not slow enough to stop).

Just swap in a manual box before jerry calls you a baby killer...

[4ringcircus]

Update. Been driving the truck for the last year and a half and it has been trouble free. I use it when parking, turning street corners, and clover leafs. I have not added power steering fluid; simply turning it on with some regularity keeps it from overflowing.

I would not recommend fancy electronics to automate turning it on or off. The 'power assist' turns on and off instantly, and it comes down to safety: I need to know I am turning it on or off as the effort required to steer is suddenly and drastically different.

My best tank of gas was 24 mpg's... on a 4x4 extended cab!

[racerc2000]

push button switch on the steering wheel?