Hydraulic power steering

EastMT

EastMT

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 21, 2022
Messages
823
Reaction score
528
I would like to price out the components to add hydraulic steering for a 2 seat Squirt with a Honda 3.5. I found an engine pump bracket and the rack. What else is required besides the reservoir can, pump, hydraulic lines, and rack? How many PSI is enough or too much? Any other advise besides to go electric?

 
Mind had a pump, reservoir, lines, rack & servo.

 
What about EPS instead?  Hydro feels better for feedback (if you even want that, most don't want anything in the wheel off-road), but EPS is better for literally everything else: simpler, no hoses containing hot oil at over 1000psi next to your legs/passenger to run, no concern over priming, no constant oil-mess, and no seals to wear out.

 
Rockwood said:
What about EPS instead?  Hydro feels better for feedback (if you even want that, most don't want anything in the wheel off-road), but EPS is better for literally everything else: simpler, no hoses containing hot oil at over 1000psi next to your legs/passenger to run, no concern over priming, no constant oil-mess, and no seals to wear out.
Click to expand...
I talked to several guys that had both so I am weighing the pros and cons of each including total cost. Yes I know hydraulic will be a lot more.

 
I have  a Howe alum power steering res $100

howe HD manual wide spread rack that has worn gear and has some slop . Can be used as is . I swapped to try make tighter for street use $500

i can post pics if interested 

 
I have entire setup pulled from a 2 seat squirt with a 3.5.  Sent you a DM.

 
I did the eps and loved it. Way easier imo then doing the  hdro. 

 
EPS is the better system hands down. If you like going against the grain, then hydro it is for you. 

I feel hydro can be better for a 3000lb+ car on 37s but not quite for our light sandcar applications. 

 
If an EPS unit fails or the controller quits does the unit lock up or are you able to steer enough to get back to camp?

 
Anyone that asks me I always recommend EPS on a new build for a lightweight sandrail. I have one on my 69 CJ Jeep and my son has one on his Tatum Sand Demon. They work great and are adjustable. 

 
EastMT said:
If an EPS unit fails or the controller quits does the unit lock up or are you able to steer enough to get back to camp?
Click to expand...
But you will get so used to the eps that if it does stop working you won't want to drive your rail. Too much work, yikes.

Also, in 10 years mine only stopped once when a ground broke.

 
richard h said:
But you will get so used to the eps that if it does stop working you won't want to drive your rail. Too much work, yikes.

Also, in 10 years mine only stopped once when a ground broke.
Click to expand...
I appreciate you sharing. I got mixed reviews at St Anthony. Some said it was the beat thing since sliced bread and others had the unit or the controller fail.  Even those that had failures still liked their electric assist.
I plan on eveything failing at some point, it just a matter of how easy or hard it is to quickly source parts and fix it.

 
L.R.S. said:
Anyone that asks me I always recommend EPS on a new build for a lightweight sandrail. I have one on my 69 CJ Jeep and my son has one on his Tatum Sand Demon. They work great and are adjustable. 
Click to expand...
Thansk, appreciate your recommendations and tips.

 
Sorry, I cannot recommend hydraulic P/S, there are no advantages in a sand car.

I had a 220w EPS on my 2500lb V8 car with 10.50s for years and never had an issue with it. It steered like a dream. My new build I stepped up a bit and bought a Kartek 400w unit, it is considerably more robust in every way. 

My weak link has always been the Tatum rack and pinion that I use, it has some play between the rack and pinion but has never caused a problem. It can be resolved in a few ways, but a Fortin manual rack and pinion would be what I'll do ultimately. 

The person who built my new chassis, E2 Iron, had a P/S line blow off of his Sand Limo some years back, it caused some grief and made a huge mess. At full lock the pump will generate well over 1000psi with fluid temps in the 200f range. No thanks. 

 
EastMT said:
If an EPS unit fails or the controller quits does the unit lock up or are you able to steer enough to get back to camp?
Click to expand...
Yep.  Bonus is if it fails, you, your passengers, your buggy, or your engine don't get a nice high pressure hot oil bath. :biggrin:

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top