I came across this video on FB, and on one hand it sounds sacrilegious to put one in a C3….but on the other hand, it’s got some wheels turning in my otherwise quiet brain housing group.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1KYT2VKSCr/?mibextid=wwXIfr

I posted a video above, which will not link up for some reason, but you can copy and paste the link.

But just in case, here’s the Cliff Notes version:

Appears to be an early to mid 2000’s Volvo electric power steering pump.
The guy in the video showed how to remove it, including a portion of the donor vehicle’s wire harness that supplies power to the pump.
States that this standalone electric PS pump can take the place of a serpentine style PS pump.

It piqued my interest as to whether or not it would be a viable option in our C3’s, particularly my 74, which is FAR from stock.

So here’s my questions:

Would this be a viable option to eliminate the alternator vs PS pump cap issue?

Will it work in unison with a Borgeson steering box?

Has anyone heard of or tried this?

Thank you for your thoughts!

 

Upon further research, I understand it would still need a CAN controller or potentiometer.
So, to answer my own question, no, it will not work as a stand-alone unit.

I’ll keep my belt driven PS pump.

Hotta tell my brain cells to shut back off for now.

 

I have read about the ALT bracket and PS pump dipstick interference "issue" several times.

I never had the issue except the very first time trying to remove it. You just have to tilt the PS dipstick a certain way and it comes right out.
A really long skinny funnel helps add PS fluid when needed.

I vote No on the electric PS system.
The 12 volts would eventually just leak all over the garage floor too.

 

I have a column all ready to mod and try a homemade version of the EPAS electric power steering system. Will post about it when I get around to doing it.

Bill

 

I bought mine new & the 1st time I checked the P/S fluid I thought they screwed something up at the factory...

As far as electric P/S goes I love it in my SW20 MR2...

 

I just use a Type II PS pump with a remote reservoir.

 

I went with a Nissan Cube electric power steering motor- it's better than the older version used by Saturn (Saturn/Equinox 2002-07 electric motor)that everybody seems to run-
Even EPAS uses the Saturn motor. If you wanna go with the older design- a much cheaper route is a $55 harness/module from eBay and a used Saturn electric motor.
Easily all in for less than a couple hundred bucks. Still a lot of fab work required.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/284408724353?

The newer motors use a better torque sensor- I used one off a 2012 Nissan Cube with a manual Flaming River Rack and Pinion.

Nissan Cube motor- controller just requires +12 ign and power/ground. After the ignition is on for a few seconds and doesn't see the CAN
bus signal- it just ignores the input. So it's really easy to wire up- HOWEVER- it requires a bunch of current- 8GA and a charging system that can keep up with it at idle- as that's when it needs full power.

Adapter I made - steering shaft to Nissan input-




Motor to steering column



Used a bearing for the linkage- shaft is collapsible


Motor-


Module- 3 wire hook up



I modded the cradle- lowered the rack and mounts- made my own tie rod ends- all to minimize bump steer. There is no rag joint- so i used a "telescoping" shaft.
My 73 has factory power steering- and there is no comparison between the two. Feel is incredible- in the parking lot and driving down the road. You do not need a potentiometer ( like the Saturn motor) to adjust the input vs output- it does it with an internal torque sensor.