electric power steering

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   304 dude
You stated you are a power steering purist.  I'm guessing you like the original set up as do I, but have you ever found a way or is there a re-build to the older style 71 and older power steering hardware that would give you more of a road feel that is closer to todays vehicles?   I like the idea of retaining the old pump and steering box, but the road feel is so distant and it takes a lot of concentration to keep it on a straight line.  Everything has been rebuilt in the suspension, steering  box and pump and the alinement as been checked more than once by a shop that works on old cars.  I have been told that there no way to make it better?  Is that what you have found?

Steve
Original owner
1971 Javelin AMX

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71 Javelin AMX O.O. Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Aug/29/2008 Location: Minnesota Status: Offline Points: 655	Post Options Post Reply Quote 71 Javelin AMX O.O. Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Oct/28/2016 at 9:34am
	304 dude You stated you are a power steering purist. I'm guessing you like the original set up as do I, but have you ever found a way or is there a re-build to the older style 71 and older power steering hardware that would give you more of a road feel that is closer to todays vehicles? I like the idea of retaining the old pump and steering box, but the road feel is so distant and it takes a lot of concentration to keep it on a straight line. Everything has been rebuilt in the suspension, steering box and pump and the alinement as been checked more than once by a shop that works on old cars. I have been told that there no way to make it better? Is that what you have found? Steve Original owner 1971 Javelin AMX

304-dude Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Sep/29/2008 Location: Central Illinoi Status: Offline Points: 9082	Post Options Post Reply Quote 304-dude Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Oct/28/2016 at 9:53am
	At the time of the early stages of this thread, I assumed he was installing the newer hybrid system, sort of like what is in newer Honda cars and others. Since finding out he is using original equipement manual steering that has been rebuilt and properly adjusted. His option of using an aftermarket controller with the Electronic assist steering column, may be the only option for keeping a stock like system. I have nothing against the option the OP has given, and is short and sweet so to speak on implementation. The only negative I see is electronics, if he does keep the Motorola charging system... Outside of weight. Keeping original steering components is heavier than a modern R&P. For myself, I chose to update to Mustang GT R&P with 2.5 to one lock to lock, with a late power steering pump. The pump only takes about 3.5 HP to operate and allows Hydraulic Assist braking if I choose to go that direction.
	71 Javelin SST body 390 69 crank, 70 block & heads NASCAR SB2 rods & pistons 78 Jeep TH400 w/ 2.76 Low 50/50 Ford-AMC Suspension 79 F150 rear & 8.8 axles Ford Racing 3.25 gears & 9" /w Detroit locker

farna Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Supporter of TheAMCForum Moderator Lost Dealership Project Joined: Jul/08/2007 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 19692	Post Options Post Reply Quote farna Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Oct/28/2016 at 4:01pm
	You can get a kit from Borgeson (https://www.summitracing.com/parts/brg-899001) to reduce steering pump pressure for a bit more feel if using a GM (Saginaw) style pump. If not, you can use a valve from Heidt's, but it takes custom hoses and is a bit pricey. At least it's easy to adjust pressure at any time though (http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Heidts-PS-101-Adjustable-Power-Steering-Valve,14895.html)
	Frank Swygert

ttrrogg Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Apprentice Joined: Jul/21/2012 Location: torrington, ct Status: Offline Points: 240	Post Options Post Reply Quote ttrrogg Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Oct/29/2016 at 7:48am
	70 javelin has a Saginaw from the factory, I was just going to add epsa to the javelin and get rid of the steering pump and hoses and maybe the steering box, epsa is adjustable. Now working on a wheel horse D-250 tractor(a very large 4 cylinder garden tractor) and adding the epsa to it.
	1970 Big Bad Blue javelin sst

amcfool1 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Jun/18/2011 Location: roanoke va Status: Offline Points: 1075	Post Options Post Reply Quote amcfool1 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Oct/29/2016 at 9:07am
	hi, to 71JavelinAMX, check out www.powersteering.com. Marty will rebuild your old original box with a better 12.7 ratio, (or any ratio you want),(and pump as well if you want). That way you have originality with modern guts. Basic rebuild starts at about $300. He just did one for me, out of my 84 Eagle. I decided to keep the stock 14.0 ratio though. I rebuilt the pump myself. Located in MO. good luck, gz
	george z

farna Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Supporter of TheAMCForum Moderator Lost Dealership Project Joined: Jul/08/2007 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 19692	Post Options Post Reply Quote farna Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Oct/29/2016 at 9:31am
	With EPAS you use a manual steering box, not the old power box. The old power box is hard to turn with no hydraulic pressure (engine off). I'm not sure it will be much better even if you loop the hoses so you have oil circulating, but I have heard of people doing that and running a Saginaw PS box as manual... but I've never done it.
	Frank Swygert

shootist Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: May/24/2012 Location: Triad, NC Status: Offline Points: 1023	Post Options Post Reply Quote shootist Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Oct/29/2016 at 9:56am
	Farna makes a valid point. You do have to go with a manual box if you desire using EPAS. Very important otherwise the turning resistance is going to be too great and you will prematurely fail the components. I suppose you could spend a ton more and get one of the pre-built kits design for a heavier turning resistance but I would think that somewhere in doing that you would then cause premature failure to the steering box since it is designed to have the hydraulic fluid running through it providing cooling and lubrication to the components. In my case I use the Control Freak IFS system with a mustang II type R&P so I am not a typical case. I would say that if you already have a hydraulic system it would be cheaper to stay that way and change to a smaller pump that would look a little better.


71 Javelin AMX O.O. Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Aug/29/2008 Location: Minnesota Status: Offline Points: 655	Post Options Post Reply Quote 71 Javelin AMX O.O. Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Nov/02/2016 at 1:31pm
	George Z I had my original steering box rebuilt along with the pump and have no issue with the number of turns, but do with the road feel. Is there any way to rebuild the steering box or the power steering pump to give you more road feel. I'll see what Marty has to say at power steering .com. Steve

farna Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Supporter of TheAMCForum Moderator Lost Dealership Project Joined: Jul/08/2007 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 19692	Post Options Post Reply Quote farna Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Nov/02/2016 at 1:55pm
	Reduce pressure. If it's a Saginaw pump there are kits for that, if it's an Eaton I guess the only choice is the adjustable valve I posted a link to earlier.
	Frank Swygert