1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

electric power steering

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Old 11-16-16, 09:45 PM
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electric power steering

2002-2007 Saturn Vue Equinox Electric Power Steering Column Pump Gear Box | eBay


Just in case the link goes dead. Its an electric power steering system for a Saturn Vue. The Vue uses an electric assist on the column. It merely is an input shaft and an assisted output shaft. Add 12VDC and you're done.

If I was just lazy enough to not want to work a manual rack, but not lazy enough to make a bracket for it I'd toss it on.


Just figured you GSL-SE guys are always complaining about P/S racks and whatnot. This is a viable option.

Last edited by Qingdao; 11-16-16 at 09:51 PM.
Old 11-18-16, 01:18 AM
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One of the guys in the LandCruiser club has a 40-series LC with electric power steering installed. I had a chance to take a look at it awhile back and it was a very similar setup with input shaft of the steering wheel shaft and output going straight to the factory box. It worked wonderfully, and even had a 'gain' adjustment on a separate dial so he could increase/decrease the amount of electrical boost.

He said it was put together by a guy that imports the electric boost motor mechanism from Australia, but if it's a Saturn part - I don't know why he wouldn't use one of those instead. It wasn't cheap, either - I think he said about $1k for the custom couplers and 'splicing' the booster in the steering path.

I've considered it, as well as the Toyo MR2 (2004-5) electric powered hydraulic pump to get rid of the factory -SE hydraulic PS. Right now, I have no PS in my car, as I removed the belt after rebuilding it and still having it leak...
Old 11-18-16, 08:18 AM
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You would have to make couplers, but the unit from the Saturn connects directly to the steering wheel. So it would seem that that wouldn't need any couplers.

You might want to switch to a manual steering rack because the reduction for this is in the unit itself. another words its supposed to turn a manual rack.

EPS would be a much easier option for someone with a rack that doesn't leak but a bum pump.
Old 11-18-16, 02:56 PM
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interesting...wonder how the steering would feel though.
Old 11-18-16, 04:56 PM
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I haven't driven a non-power assist Saturn Vue... I don't think they make them. But the feedback through the wheel is so natural that I didn't even know it was electric assisted till I started looking at it harder.

I don't know the rate this thing reduces at. I guess I should have made note of it when I had the Vue in the shop.

I almost want to get one just to mess with. But I don't think the 7 is too hard to turn and the only other non-power assist car I own is even easier to negotiate than the 7.

I do want to build a Dakota with a Mercedes 5 cylinder diesel soon, and I might use this electric "thing" to give me power assist. It might be easier than figuring out the MB p/s. But I might just make lines to fit the dodge rack.
Old 11-23-16, 09:14 PM
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The electric assist is awesome...

The new skyactive cars are full electric steering, and I love it. Been considering something like it for the 7.
Old 12-10-16, 02:07 PM
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I'm curious how the RX-8 handles when I get that up and running, and I'd consider swapping one of their electric racks into an FB with a custom front subframe. I would love to start mocking up a tubular front subframe with a better rack and pinion style steering rack so everyone can quit hunting down FC front subframes
Old 12-10-16, 02:17 PM
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Originally Posted by DreamInRotary
I'm curious how the RX-8 handles when I get that up and running, and I'd consider swapping one of their electric racks into an FB with a custom front subframe. I would love to start mocking up a tubular front subframe with a better rack and pinion style steering rack so everyone can quit hunting down FC front subframes
I'm totally in




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