1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

Electric Power Steering Pump

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by 05rider, Feb 18, 2020.

  1. Feb 18, 2020
    05rider

    05rider New Member

    Northeast Ohio
    Joined:
    Apr 5, 2014
    Messages:
    28
    A couple of questions. Coming close to having my power steering planned out and ready to start this spring when my brain power (read son-in-law) is ready. We are planning on using an electric power steer pump because of #1 power rob on the 4 cylinder, and #2 it will be easier to mount than making a bracket for a belt driven pump, which is the main reason. I am looking at a Volvo electric pump. They are readily available and according to what I have researched simple to wire. BUT, they are powering rack and pinion on a Volvo so does anyone know if it would work on a Saginaw style steering box.

    Thanks
     
  2. Feb 18, 2020
    Ohiowrangler

    Ohiowrangler Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Newark, Ohio
    Joined:
    May 29, 2019
    Messages:
    270
    Can you find pressure and flow numbers for each application ?
     
  3. Feb 18, 2020
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2014
    Messages:
    4,170
    Check out how the Volvo pump is controlled. It may be a lot more complex than replacing a belt driven pump for an electric version.
    I have an '03 Mini Cooper with electic power steering, and it is controlled by a computer. The pump motor only runs when needed, based on steering inputs.
    I also have electric power steering on my Subaru powered VW Vanagon. I used the native electric power steering from the Subaru engine, and its quite complex. Beside the relays to run the pump, it too has a stand-alone computer to control the steering pump, and this is from 1988. I had to graft in a light beam/chopper wheel sensor into the VW steering column from the Subaru to control the pump, as well as a speed sensor in the back of my VW speedometer.
    I suspect there is a lot more than just swapping pumps, so do your homework!
    -Donny
     
    Fireball and ITLKSEZ like this.
  4. Feb 18, 2020
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2015
    Messages:
    6,656
    I’m running a traditional belt-driven pump on my project that’s from a rack & pinion car. It’s powering a Saginaw 800 series box, and with the limited testing I’ve been able to do with it, I’ve been a bit underwhelmed by its performance so far. The research I’ve done on it shows that R&Ps require less volume and pressure than traditional boxes. I’m going to try a smaller pulley to speed up the pump before I totally give up on it.

    As was stated, you might want to find some actual output numbers before you devote too much time and money towards it.

    Good luck! It’s an interesting route for sure.
     
  5. Feb 18, 2020
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    USA
    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2006
    Messages:
    5,798
    Wow. Thats cool and complex.
     
  6. Feb 18, 2020
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2002
    Messages:
    12,367
    Is there a definite need for PS? Aren't people generally satisfied with a manual Saginaw swap?
     
  7. Feb 18, 2020
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,102
    I've looked into electric ps pumps, basically the best bet is IIRC a (EDIT- early 2000's MRX) Toyota Spyder unit, they will self regulate which is to say eventually spool down & drastically reduce power draw when no load is caused by the steering gear. Good luck finding one for an un-obscene price. :(

    The Volvo units will run on their own but you don't get the power save option. Popular with hot rodders as Much cheaper.

    There's also a BMW Mini unit that's about the same deal as the Volvo. Also much cheaper but not as easy to find as the Volvos.
     
    Last edited: Feb 19, 2020
    Ns0mniac likes this.
  8. Feb 18, 2020
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2011
    Messages:
    5,407


    guess next time I am at junk yard . just might stroll over to the import side
    now only if I remember to look :shrug:
     
    ITLKSEZ likes this.
  9. Feb 18, 2020
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2015
    Messages:
    6,656
    That’s where all the good stuff is. :bananatool:
     
    Ns0mniac and Twin2 like this.
  10. Feb 18, 2020
    45es

    45es Active Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Naches, WA
    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2007
    Messages:
    1,103
    I wonder if there is an actual power savings. What is the electrical load that the electric power steering produces? How many amps does it draw? That load will be felt by the engine. Is it less than the mechanical pump?
     
    47v6 likes this.
  11. Feb 18, 2020
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2015
    Messages:
    6,656
    “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.”

    Read this before giving up on a belt driven pump:

    GM Power-Steering Secrets - Car Craft Magazine - Hot Rod

    The newer type 2 pumps have much less parasitic draw than the old type 1 pumps. That being said, I have a type 1 on my F-head and never noticed a draw. The power steering is worth more than a few saved HP.
     
    47v6 likes this.
  12. Feb 18, 2020
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,102
    FWIW I decided against the electric pump & am now in the market for a Monroe crank powered pump :D
     
  13. Feb 19, 2020
    Ns0mniac

    Ns0mniac Member

    San Clemente, CA
    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2019
    Messages:
    63
    I second the Toyota pump, I've heard of the best results with those. I used to work on Honda's a bit (don't laugh) and some people I knew did the electric conversion. Those Civic guys will do anything to free up a few HP haha. The only people who were happy with the conversion used the Toyota pump or some other kind of variable pressure self adjusting pump, others wired in switches to toggle their power steering when they desired, in my mind a poor solution because more or less assist will be needed in different situations. Other such as myself ran a manual rack and dealt with it :D
     
New Posts