Electric Power Steering

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Has anyone fitted electric power steering to the Ultima ? there seems to be quite a few on the market from simple knob activation to speed sensitive units. I would be looking at assistance at parking speeds and little/none as the speed increases or maybe its not needed, any advice /pictures welcomed.

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Thanks for the info, thought that it must have been done before. I like the look of the DC Microsteer but it might not have the torque to turn the wheels. The pro street version has double the power so looks like a call to DC for their recommendations is on the cards
Regards Tim

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F.C. said:

Fitted my Corsa B derived unit 7 years ago.
Corsa B/C units are analogue, D onward are CANBUS.
No problems with it other than small amount of play when the unit is switched off.
The play can be eliminated with the use of a strain gauge in place of the Corsa torque sensor.
I was aggravated by this play at first (I use the power steering for parking only) but now I hardly notice it on road with the EPAS switched off.

All fitted in a day on a completed car with drivers seat removed.
If you go the "cheap" route and fit a Corsa derived unit send your ECU to DC electronics to fit the speed pulse generator (for controlling the level of assistance).
I fitted an EBAY one at first and it was ste!

Thanks for the information, did you fit it yourself, if so what’s involved with fitting, body’s not on mine yet so access is still good
Regards Tim

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onewhitey said:

I just fitted the dc micro steer to my gtr, I mounted it above the pedal box, you have to remove the seat to work, and it’s a lot of time on your back upside down!! The kit came with enough hardware to make up the new shafts. Ideally I wanted to mount it at the dash under the stack unit, but it’s 10 mm to long to fit between the steering shaft mounting brackets. On full power it gives enough assistance for shunting around, as soon as I’m out the garage, it’s turned off and the feel is the same as before fitting. You can easily wire it to be speed sensitive. It’s The best mod I’ve done on the car, apart from bolting the side windows in ( I hardly ever use them)

That's just the information I'm after. Looks like an order to DC is pending.
Many Thanks

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onewhitey said:

Take advantage of the room you have now, it will be a lot easier, I’m now in the process of fitting 285 fronts, that looks harder than the e p a s. good luck to you! ??

Do you think that the Micro steer will still have enough power to turn the wider tires, I'm also looking at the 285 fronts but if you are already on full power with the 245 I might be better off going for the Pro Street version 75nm vs 32nm, although it looks a physically larger unit so may need to cut the steering column mounts and braces and re-fabricate a mount.
Regards Tim

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Finally got started to sorting the power steering out, called in at DCE and picked up their Microsteer system. Will start checking for figment issues tonight but looking at the pictures of completed installations on Ultimas it looks some chassis cutting and re welding is needed

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Been to the factory today to check body fitment problem in different locations. I originally wanted to fit the power steering motor to the rear steering shaft support bracket but looks like the body will indeed be very close so looks like the front mount it is just like Lee (ROWDYRENAULT) has done
The motor looks like it will fit without chassis tube cutting but will need a new front support plate making and welding to the chassis rail (may need to be mounted in the middle of the rail instead of the rear as it is from the factory to clear the spline locking bolt). Spline fitting's are a problem, DCE UK are waiting for new stock to arrive and trying to find them elsewhere is a nightmare, not helped by the fact that in the literature they are 17mm x 36 spline (Toyota) but mine measure 17.5mm which is 11/16'' and a bit more readily available (in America). I will have a go this weekend and get some pictures uploaded of the progress.

Regards Tim

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Got the motor fitted to the chassis, made a stainless plate and welded it on, no chassis cutting apart from removing the front steering shaft mount. The wiring loom was in the way and had to be routed over the power steering motor, all I need now are 2 x 11/16'' to smooth connectors from DCE (should be back in stock soon) for the front and rear connections and wire it up.

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I have had to change the design of the chassis mount to make changing the steering components in the future easier. I have welded tabs to the chassis rail and made a thicker plate to mount the motor, which bolts to the chassis tabs. I have also modified one of the universal joints and welded this to the steering shaft but had to make an aligning rod to keep the components in line while welding, the first attempt without it was miles off. DCE has just mailed me that the straight couplers are in stock so that should be on its way for the steering wheel side.

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UltimaCH said:

Quick question related to EPAS.

Is the Microsteer sufficiently powerful to allow easy manoeuvring at stop or slow speeds?
I'm looking around to install a PAS system in my build because at my ripe age. I gave up bodybuilding many decades ago

Just checked specs for two systems:
DCE makes 24 ft/lbs output or 32 NM
Kartek makes 28.77 ft/lbs or 39NM

Edited by UltimaCH on Wednesday 19th June 14:48

Can't help you there I'm still at the build stage, but like you my body building days are over to, so figured it can only help.

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New set up now fitted and working, I will be leaving access via the top of the dash with a removable panel so hopefully it will be easier to maintain/repair.

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All the cutting and welding finally done, DCE straight connector to steering wheel disc fitted.