Power Steering....pumping iron - Page 2

awelliott · 03-28-08, 05:32 PM

I'd recommend getting one from the yard if they're soaking you for a new one, because it's a simple job to remove one - 10 minutes tops. The easiest way to grab a VSS is to unscrew the upper part of the speedo cable and remove the VSS along with the lower portion of the cable. Once you have it out, then you can disconnect the lower portion by pulling up the rubber boot and removing the little clip that retains the lower cable. It's much easier to install the VSS in your car along with the lower cable, because you don't have to go through contortions to try to reinstall that clip since the lower cable is already connected. Also, while you have everything apart, it'd be convenient to lube your cable.

BTW, once you have the VSS removed and before you disconnect the lower cable, it's a good idea to rotate the gear on the VSS and make sure that you can see the speedo cable turn.

holymoo · 03-28-08, 06:15 PM

The idea of removing or replacing the power steering unit isn't anything new. More commonly in high end racing vehicles (like the Acura NSX), instead of putting in a hydraulic based power steering system, it has an electric motor to turn the wheels. The electric system is overall more efficient in addition to being able to take more wear. There are some other vehicles that have completely removed the power steering for the sake of better fuel economy, like the Geo Metro.

Honestly, I don't think you'll get about 10-15hp by removing the power steering unit. I would venture a guess the number would be more like 8hp.

Though, instead of removing the power steering system, I would recommend installing a underdrive pulley setup instead. While it won't give you as much power as removing the system, it will reduce the power all the slave devices (power steering, alternator, a/c) receive. Overall, that should give you a solid boost of power without completely compromising on wear and safety of the vehicle.

KAHruzer · 03-28-08, 08:49 PM

My hind-end dyno can't appreciably detect the difference between 8HP and 10HP.

Do you know of an electric pump replacement for our PS pump in the Legend?
One which just replaces it in place, but attaches to all the hydrolics, less the belt?

What is an 'underdrive pulley system'? And, could that be done only for PS, while not affecting AC and/or Alternator?

KAHruzer · 03-28-08, 08:56 PM

Quick Google on electric ps pumps found this:

Race Pages - Acura Legend Electric PS Pumps

....called them, no such thing for G1 Legends.

Also found this a Wiki, saying electric PS systems tend to be totally electronic, without any hydrolics which are replaced by sensors.

This Wiki site says EPS is a fairly new technology, at least for mainstream installations.

It'd be kind of nice if one could use an electric replacement just to pressurize the hydrolics of an existing HPS installation, however. That's what's called a 'hybrid system' or Electro-Hydrolic System (EHPS) on the Wiki page. Guess that'd be asking too much as a retrofit OEM replacement on old clunkers anyway.

KAHruzer · 03-28-08, 09:22 PM

Found this page at NSX Prime on the NSX Electric PS System.

Pretty Kewl.

holymoo · 03-28-08, 10:18 PM

Yeah, unfortunately Electric Power Steering Systems are only available in hyrbid vehicles and high end sports cars. As manufacturing techniques changes, I foresee they will eventually be phased into standard vehicles.

Unfortunately, I don't really see an easy way to fit up a electric power steering module to and Acura or any other car that is designed to use a hydraulic system.

I think for the best bang for your buck, I would try to see if you can track down some underdrive pulleys for the vehicle. Wikipedia has an Article discussing the pro's and con's of this modification.

Albeit slim, you might be able to put in some underdrive pulleys designed for a 1995-1997 Honda Accord (according to Wikipedia, that have the same engine).

03-28-08, 06:15 PM	#17 (permalink)
holymoo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Reading, PA Posts: 69 Car 1: 1988 Acura Legend Coupe Car 2: 1993 Nissan Altima iTrader: (0)	The idea of removing or replacing the power steering unit isn't anything new. More commonly in high end racing vehicles (like the Acura NSX), instead of putting in a hydraulic based power steering system, it has an electric motor to turn the wheels. The electric system is overall more efficient in addition to being able to take more wear. There are some other vehicles that have completely removed the power steering for the sake of better fuel economy, like the Geo Metro. Honestly, I don't think you'll get about 10-15hp by removing the power steering unit. I would venture a guess the number would be more like 8hp. Though, instead of removing the power steering system, I would recommend installing a underdrive pulley setup instead. While it won't give you as much power as removing the system, it will reduce the power all the slave devices (power steering, alternator, a/c) receive. Overall, that should give you a solid boost of power without completely compromising on wear and safety of the vehicle. __________________ _______________________ I don't know if it's just me, but I can't help but giggle a bit when people refer to transmission fluid as tranny fluid...

03-28-08, 08:49 PM	#18 (permalink)
KAHruzer Moor Mo*h Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Soonerville Posts: 1,564 Car 1: 1987 Legend LS Coupe iTrader: (0)	My hind-end dyno can't appreciably detect the difference between 8HP and 10HP. Do you know of an electric pump replacement for our PS pump in the Legend? One which just replaces it in place, but attaches to all the hydrolics, less the belt? What is an 'underdrive pulley system'? And, could that be done only for PS, while not affecting AC and/or Alternator? __________________ Stock 1987 Legend LS Coupe 180k (11/07)

03-28-08, 08:56 PM	#19 (permalink)
KAHruzer Moor Mo*h Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Soonerville Posts: 1,564 Car 1: 1987 Legend LS Coupe iTrader: (0)	Quick Google on electric ps pumps found this: Race Pages - Acura Legend Electric PS Pumps ....called them, no such thing for G1 Legends. Also found this a Wiki, saying electric PS systems tend to be totally electronic, without any hydrolics which are replaced by sensors. This Wiki site says EPS is a fairly new technology, at least for mainstream installations. It'd be kind of nice if one could use an electric replacement just to pressurize the hydrolics of an existing HPS installation, however. That's what's called a 'hybrid system' or Electro-Hydrolic System (EHPS) on the Wiki page. Guess that'd be asking too much as a retrofit OEM replacement on old clunkers anyway. __________________ Stock 1987 Legend LS Coupe 180k (11/07) Last edited by KAHruzer : 03-28-08 at 09:13 PM.

03-28-08, 09:22 PM	#20 (permalink)
KAHruzer Moor Mo*h Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Soonerville Posts: 1,564 Car 1: 1987 Legend LS Coupe iTrader: (0)	Found this page at NSX Prime on the NSX Electric PS System. Pretty Kewl. __________________ Stock 1987 Legend LS Coupe 180k (11/07)

03-28-08, 10:18 PM	#21 (permalink)
holymoo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Reading, PA Posts: 69 Car 1: 1988 Acura Legend Coupe Car 2: 1993 Nissan Altima iTrader: (0)	Yeah, unfortunately Electric Power Steering Systems are only available in hyrbid vehicles and high end sports cars. As manufacturing techniques changes, I foresee they will eventually be phased into standard vehicles. Unfortunately, I don't really see an easy way to fit up a electric power steering module to and Acura or any other car that is designed to use a hydraulic system. I think for the best bang for your buck, I would try to see if you can track down some underdrive pulleys for the vehicle. Wikipedia has an Article discussing the pro's and con's of this modification. Albeit slim, you might be able to put in some underdrive pulleys designed for a 1995-1997 Honda Accord (according to Wikipedia, that have the same engine). __________________ _______________________ I don't know if it's just me, but I can't help but giggle a bit when people refer to transmission fluid as tranny fluid...

03-28-08, 05:32 PM	#16 (permalink)
awelliott Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 627 Car 1: 1987 Legend L Coupe Car 2: 03 Honda Odyssey EX Car 3: 93 Dodge Dakota LS iTrader: (6)	I'd recommend getting one from the yard if they're soaking you for a new one, because it's a simple job to remove one - 10 minutes tops. The easiest way to grab a VSS is to unscrew the upper part of the speedo cable and remove the VSS along with the lower portion of the cable. Once you have it out, then you can disconnect the lower portion by pulling up the rubber boot and removing the little clip that retains the lower cable. It's much easier to install the VSS in your car along with the lower cable, because you don't have to go through contortions to try to reinstall that clip since the lower cable is already connected. Also, while you have everything apart, it'd be convenient to lube your cable. BTW, once you have the VSS removed and before you disconnect the lower cable, it's a good idea to rotate the gear on the VSS and make sure that you can see the speedo cable turn.

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
The Acura Legend & Acura RL Forum Advertisement

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread: