Electric power steering conversion
#1
Electric power steering conversion
So I have a 2014 accord as well as my 2005 TL. It has an electric PS rack. No PS pump and doesn't need to use PS fluid. I also like the way it feels. Does nyone know what it would take to adopt this electric PS to the TL?
#4
Maybe the rack from a 2nd gen TSX, the EPS computer, module, wiring, etc etc etc.
There is a LOT that goes into it. Look into it if you want to do this. Buy a wrecked 2nd gen TSX from an auction and go.
There is a LOT that goes into it. Look into it if you want to do this. Buy a wrecked 2nd gen TSX from an auction and go.
#6
Senior Moderator
I believe in you OP! Get'er done!!! Take pics along the way too
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#8
#9
EPS provides a constantly varying steering ratio. It can turn the wheels at a very fast rate at slow speeds....and then back off for higher speeds.
EPS is extremely complex. It ties into the traction control computer's active yaw control and quite a few other driving dynamic parameters.
I guess there is a slight loss in feedback with EPS...but Honda's EPS feels excellent. I have Hondas/Acuras that have hydraulic PS and others with EPS. Each has its ups and downs. But both EPS cars feel great. I don't blame OP for wanting to do this.
Its just complex AF.
EPS is extremely complex. It ties into the traction control computer's active yaw control and quite a few other driving dynamic parameters.
I guess there is a slight loss in feedback with EPS...but Honda's EPS feels excellent. I have Hondas/Acuras that have hydraulic PS and others with EPS. Each has its ups and downs. But both EPS cars feel great. I don't blame OP for wanting to do this.
Its just complex AF.
#10
iWhine S/C 6MT TL
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It's not just the rack, but there's also a motor and an ECU. In most vehicles with electric steering, the system is also tied into the traction control due to the angle sensor / yaw control. You would have to fabricate mounts for the rack, redo the harness to so it works with the 3rd gen TL, delete the current setup which also means getting a custom belt, possibly might need new inner and outer tie rods, removal of existing steering column and fabricate and install new electric motor, possible new steering column harness and misc things here and there. The overall effort and cost might well exceed half of what the TL is worth since you have an 2005. It's a very complex system and trying to install such a system on a vehicle that wasn't designed to have it, is a huge waste of time.
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Acura TL Builder (06-09-2021)
#12
Suzuka Master
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#13
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I'm not at all sure I'd go that far; the thing is, electric power steering is a thing of the future as it draws less power from the engine which in turn improves fuel economy. That electric power steering systems, by and large, feel numb and unresponsive is an engineering issue which, hopefully, can be remediated.
#14
Lol what? What does it have to do with laziness? Its still power steering.
how is it any more "like an automatic transmission" than hydraulic PS?
Is hydraulic PS manually actuated? Do you need to clutch in and shift it the fluid through a set of gates?
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jasonrod1219 (06-23-2020)
#15
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Okay, maybe modern electric assist isn't quite that bad, but the point is, I think the industry has yet to perfect electric assist so it feels like a light weight car with no power assist at all. The benchmark I use for steering excellence is my (former) 1979 VW Scirocco; my (former) 2002 BMW 530i SP is a close second with my (former) 2009 Mazda3 (electric pump for the hydraulics) and my 2006 Acura TL tied for third best. My wife's former 2012 GTI and her current 2016 Mazda3 s GT both had/have electric steering (I'm pretty sure the GTI had it), and both were/are both pretty limp/numb compared to my "best of" list.
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Curious3GTL (06-27-2021)
#17
Suzuka Master
Honda is late to the EPS, I drove several EPS 2nd gen TSX, 4th gen TL, TLX, MDX, GS350 , LS460 and ISF with EPS the steering is light and offer no feedback from the road as conventional hydraulic one. Some was tune for sport like ISF and the TLX in sport mode but for other it like playing a video game.
#18
Having driven a number of cars with electric power steering, my take is they, in general, feel like the super assisted hydraulic steering from old 1960s and 1970s Chrysler products; absolutely no feedback what-so-ever.
Okay, maybe modern electric assist isn't quite that bad, but the point is, I think the industry has yet to perfect electric assist so it feels like a light weight car with no power assist at all. The benchmark I use for steering excellence is my (former) 1979 VW Scirocco; my (former) 2002 BMW 530i SP is a close second with my (former) 2009 Mazda3 (electric pump for the hydraulics) and my 2006 Acura TL tied for third best. My wife's former 2012 GTI and her current 2016 Mazda3 s GT both had/have electric steering (I'm pretty sure the GTI had it), and both were/are both pretty limp/numb compared to my "best of" list.
Okay, maybe modern electric assist isn't quite that bad, but the point is, I think the industry has yet to perfect electric assist so it feels like a light weight car with no power assist at all. The benchmark I use for steering excellence is my (former) 1979 VW Scirocco; my (former) 2002 BMW 530i SP is a close second with my (former) 2009 Mazda3 (electric pump for the hydraulics) and my 2006 Acura TL tied for third best. My wife's former 2012 GTI and her current 2016 Mazda3 s GT both had/have electric steering (I'm pretty sure the GTI had it), and both were/are both pretty limp/numb compared to my "best of" list.
Honda is late to the EPS, I drove several EPS 2nd gen TSX, 4th gen TL, TLX, MDX, GS350 , LS460 and ISF with EPS the steering is light and offer no feedback from the road as conventional hydraulic one. Some was tune for sport like ISF and the TLX in sport mode but for other it like playing a video game.
Road feel might be numb in *some* cars. But...how does that make you more or less lazy?
Honda's EPS feels fantastic compared to Toyota or Nissan's. Even the 2G TSX, which is supposed to be a very mundane car, has excellent feedback, and the steering almost feels natural.
#19
Suzuka Master
Have you driven a S2000? Its not THAT modern (the first ones rolled out like 16-17 years ago)....and it probably features EPS technology in its infancy.
Honda has been using EPS since the 90's, actually.
Road feel might be numb in *some* cars. But...how does that make you more or less lazy?
Honda's EPS feels fantastic compared to Toyota or Nissan's. Even the 2G TSX, which is supposed to be a very mundane car, has excellent feedback, and the steering almost feels natural.
Honda has been using EPS since the 90's, actually.
Road feel might be numb in *some* cars. But...how does that make you more or less lazy?
Honda's EPS feels fantastic compared to Toyota or Nissan's. Even the 2G TSX, which is supposed to be a very mundane car, has excellent feedback, and the steering almost feels natural.
#20
Insight.
S2000.
Released around 1999.
they then started putting it on Civics around 2002.
They weren't late to the EPS game, is my point.
Last edited by BROlando; 05-17-2017 at 01:12 PM.
#21
Alien from Mars
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^ I think he is just trying to feel right in the wrong LOL
you're correct Roland. Honda has good EPS history. Speaking of S2000, I absolutely LOVE the steering feel on my AP2 S2000. I don't know how they achieved it, but it feels just right for spirit driving.
At same time, my family owns 2010 Insight, and that EPS is total opposite.
I also absolutely love TL-S steering wheel. While heavy and PITA at times during parking, its perfect for daily freeway driving.
you're correct Roland. Honda has good EPS history. Speaking of S2000, I absolutely LOVE the steering feel on my AP2 S2000. I don't know how they achieved it, but it feels just right for spirit driving.
At same time, my family owns 2010 Insight, and that EPS is total opposite.
I also absolutely love TL-S steering wheel. While heavy and PITA at times during parking, its perfect for daily freeway driving.
#22
As far as comparisons between EPS and hydro PS...
I can jump out of my 1G TSX (hydro PS) and into my wife's 2nd gen (EPS).
They both have MPSS's in wider than stock sizing. Both are in top conditon. Both are aligned properly. Both have Tein SA coilovers and are lowered very conservatively.
The 1G has a stronger return to center...and the return is more "natural".
I still prefer the feel of the 2G. Possibly because of the fatter steering wheel? The response is quicker, smoother, and more direct. The return to center is a tiny bit artificial. But it doesn't bug me.
My S2000 has EPS....and since it has 6.5 deg of caster as part of the stock angle...the return to center is excellent and the steering effort builds up more naturally. And if I feel like boring myself to death by going autocrossing...I'll never worry about outrunning the PS like I would with a hydro system.
EPS and hydro PS both start to back off in their assist at like 30MPH. Both have speed sensitive switches.
Try hopping into a RSX and then an EP3 if you want to compare the systems in almost identical chassis'. I prefer the EP3 with EPS.
Toyota and Nissan EPS is the EPS yall complaining about. No feel at all. Vague. Feels like a bad video game. Wheel won't even return to center.
EPS is the way of the future. Because it saves space, doesn't require potentially leaky lines that cause environmental damage and costly repairs...and are costly to design. Allows for better use of space. Allows for tying into traction control. Allows for variable ratios and assists. etc. etc. etc.
Honda's EPS is known to be heads and shoulders better than others
I can jump out of my 1G TSX (hydro PS) and into my wife's 2nd gen (EPS).
They both have MPSS's in wider than stock sizing. Both are in top conditon. Both are aligned properly. Both have Tein SA coilovers and are lowered very conservatively.
The 1G has a stronger return to center...and the return is more "natural".
I still prefer the feel of the 2G. Possibly because of the fatter steering wheel? The response is quicker, smoother, and more direct. The return to center is a tiny bit artificial. But it doesn't bug me.
My S2000 has EPS....and since it has 6.5 deg of caster as part of the stock angle...the return to center is excellent and the steering effort builds up more naturally. And if I feel like boring myself to death by going autocrossing...I'll never worry about outrunning the PS like I would with a hydro system.
EPS and hydro PS both start to back off in their assist at like 30MPH. Both have speed sensitive switches.
Try hopping into a RSX and then an EP3 if you want to compare the systems in almost identical chassis'. I prefer the EP3 with EPS.
Toyota and Nissan EPS is the EPS yall complaining about. No feel at all. Vague. Feels like a bad video game. Wheel won't even return to center.
EPS is the way of the future. Because it saves space, doesn't require potentially leaky lines that cause environmental damage and costly repairs...and are costly to design. Allows for better use of space. Allows for tying into traction control. Allows for variable ratios and assists. etc. etc. etc.
Honda's EPS is known to be heads and shoulders better than others
Last edited by BROlando; 05-17-2017 at 01:32 PM.
#24
this is the goofiest thing I've ever heard, or are you trolling? EPS is only about squeezing any little HP you can get out of an engine, that's the main reason we are all on this forum to begin with. At least for me it is.
#25
Deejay_spec
04-08 Acura TL PS
Electronic PS 07 Accord Hybrid
05 Accord Power Steering
Okay So I’m Thinking Maybe 07 Honda Accord Hybrid (Which Has EPS) could probably bolt right up. Now I’m Not Sure How The Module Works Or What To Wire It To But Mechanically. It Looks Like It Could Be Possible.
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bluezion07 (10-03-2023)
#26
Null and proud of it
One thing about EPS is that it offers superior feel on the highway, i.e. no need to correct steering... Also, it's light in the parking lot, and heavy on the highway... Hydrolic steering in Honda's and Acuras are kinda backwards, lol... Heavy in a parking lot, then light and twitchy on the highway... That's why I like driving newer rental cars, lol!!! Even a Jeep Patriot was kinda fun to drive!!!
EPS is getting more refined by the day!!!
One thing that might help would be to look into getting an EPS setup from a 2005-2007 Honda Accord Hybrid... This is the car closest to yours mechanically that had EPS... It was the 3.0 V6, but it had a hybrid system in there too... I could only imagine the retrofit involved... But either this, or going like 2009 TL EPS would probably be your best routes... I could only imagine the amount of retrofit involved, but hey, what do I know...
If you want better steering feel, just have the tie rods, end links, bushings and shocks replaced.. It my my RDX go from Accord light, to TL heavy, just like it should be...
I like EPS myself...
But, 90% of TL owners will likely think your nuts for wanting to do this...
But the HPS in my TL caused me to almost hit several mailboxes, haha!!!
EPS is getting more refined by the day!!!
One thing that might help would be to look into getting an EPS setup from a 2005-2007 Honda Accord Hybrid... This is the car closest to yours mechanically that had EPS... It was the 3.0 V6, but it had a hybrid system in there too... I could only imagine the retrofit involved... But either this, or going like 2009 TL EPS would probably be your best routes... I could only imagine the amount of retrofit involved, but hey, what do I know...
If you want better steering feel, just have the tie rods, end links, bushings and shocks replaced.. It my my RDX go from Accord light, to TL heavy, just like it should be...
I like EPS myself...
But, 90% of TL owners will likely think your nuts for wanting to do this...
But the HPS in my TL caused me to almost hit several mailboxes, haha!!!
#27
you should look into some turbos there, mr. Racecar
#28
Deejay_spec
I agree with both it is a good performance upgrade & also a good comfort upgrade i mean. This car to me is labeled a sport luxury like on my integra this would’ve been a no brainer to just loop the hose on the rack & pinion and delete it all. But being this is my daily that i want some good power off of, eps is forsure a good route i’ll be taking my car on a lift and talking to tb motorworks here in San Diego & see what they say about this idea.
So far on my research 05-07 accord front subframe is the same as my TL. So thats a good thing. So that part of the job as far as retrofitting all comes down to that gear box that sits on the pinion if there is enough room for it and what not. The next step would be electrical. How does this all work, does it go with the vsa or anything ... idk much about that part of anyone has ideas let me know
So far on my research 05-07 accord front subframe is the same as my TL. So thats a good thing. So that part of the job as far as retrofitting all comes down to that gear box that sits on the pinion if there is enough room for it and what not. The next step would be electrical. How does this all work, does it go with the vsa or anything ... idk much about that part of anyone has ideas let me know
#29
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Sorry guys, this is still a bad idea to do such a conversion.
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DMZ (06-09-2021)
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#31
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#33
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Yeah, my 1970 Challenger was kinda-sorta the same, except it was a small block, had power disc brakes up front, and a mechanical clutch linkage with a 3,500 pound Borg-and-Beck pressure plate. Parallel parking was such a joy.
Funny thing though, my next car was a 1979 Scirocco, no power anything, but an absolute joy to drive.
Funny thing though, my next car was a 1979 Scirocco, no power anything, but an absolute joy to drive.
#34
Senior Moderator
Main thing is the cost, then the integration of the electronics. Main one being the steering angle sensor since it's going to rely on the inputs to control the EPS system, VSA and ABS systems.
One benefit not mentioned about EPS is the lack of a "steering column" so there's less chance of injury by being impaled.
#35
Drifting
I dont see why you would need to change the rack.. Just leave the existing power steering unit installed but disco the hoses and run them over to the new electric pump. IF you can find a pump that has a combination reservoir, you may be able to swap out the current power steering reservoir for a combo pump & reservoir.
#36
Drifting
I dont see why you would need to change the rack.. Just leave the existing power steering unit installed but disco the hoses and run them over to the new electric pump. IF you can find a pump that has a combination reservoir, you may be able to swap out the current power steering reservoir for a combo pump & reservoir.
Similarly, electric water pumps have been around for years. I put a Meziere electric water pump on my 97 Camaro back in 2005ish. New mustangs also come with electric power steering because it free's up the engine, so there is less drag on the motor (better fuel economy and HP) But the mustang system may be a total overhaul (no fluid) So anyway, if you want to keep the OEM rack, then we just need to find a pump for the Fluid. Which is all I wanted to do, to free up the engine and I reportedly have a slightly leaking OEM PS pump.. Volvo makes an ele. ps. pump but those things are noisy! It sounds like a jet engine is spooling up. TRW makes one for a porsche and it does not sounds too noisy but I am not sure if it is heavy duty enough. I read that power steering hoses can range from 200psi to 1500 psi. So, any electric pump has to be rated as such. The only other drawback that I am aware of, some people say the fluid pumps draw a lot of power. But it may not impact a vehicle as much that has a larger battery and larger alternator than some of the lighter / smaller cars. So who knows...