Thread: NEW electric power steering for Series. No cutting, no welding. New column.

I have a 74 S3 88 which is tough to drive because of the combo of tyres, some likely wear in the steering box/shaft and rods and my own physical strength.
To solve this issue I have done a lot of research and phaffed about with the decision, electric or hydraulic, or do I do it at all and just go to the gym.

Your one stop solution has pushed me over the edge and today I ordered the kit. Not having to cut/weld shafts, brackets, etc is a big deal and despite the nay-sayers
talking steering box wear and tear with electric solutions, I'm prepared to get it wrong, but I'll save a swag of gym fees along the way.

For note, I will be checking and replacing any worn exsiting parts as part of the update and hopefully getting solid solution.
Also for context I'm not doing any real off roading in this vehicle, so do not expect it to be heavily abused - been there, did that, got the ti-shirt with my 300 Defender.

I'll update this post once the work has been done and what the results are like as I know many will be interested.

Originally Posted by Kiwilad

Your one stop solution has pushed me over the edge and today I ordered the kit. Not having to cut/weld shafts, brackets, etc is a big deal and despite the nay-sayers

Does this modification require 'engineering' to get through a roadworthy ?

Interested to hear how it works out.

Colin

Originally Posted by gromit

Does this modification require 'engineering' to get through a roadworthy ?

I do not believe so as there is no engineering change to an existing component. The kit is a complete replacement kit, which I believe is OK.
Kinda like if you swap out a diff or gearbox or such. It is made to fit the model of vehicle.

I will post updates as the work is completed.

On that note, does anyone know where I can easily source a steering box rebuild kit? So bearling, housings, seals etc.

JB

Originally Posted by Kiwilad

I do not believe so as there is no engineering change to an existing component. The kit is a complete replacement kit, which I believe is OK.
Kinda like if you swap out a diff or gearbox or such. It is made to fit the model of vehicle.

I will post updates as the work is completed.

On that note, does anyone know where I can easily source a steering box rebuild kit? So bearling, housings, seals etc.

JB

I'd double check as you're replacing a steering component with something that isn't original.
I don't think the fact that the kit is 'complete' means it'll automatically get approved.

Most LR suppliers list an overhaul kit for the steering box.
Half of each bearing is part of the worm at the end of the steering shaft. The kit comes with two bearing cups, balls & gaskets but no shims (271379).
Steering Box Repair Kit - Series 2/Series 2A/Series 3 - Paddock Spares

2a GS Refurb ARN 178-334


Colin

Originally Posted by gromit

I'd double check as you're replacing a steering component with something that isn't original.
I don't think the fact that the kit is 'complete' means it'll automatically get approved.

Most LR suppliers list an overhaul kit for the steering box.
Half of each bearing is part of the worm at the end of the steering shaft. The kit comes with two bearing cups, balls & gaskets but no shims (271379).
Steering Box Repair Kit - Series 2/Series 2A/Series 3 - Paddock Spares

2a GS Refurb ARN 178-334


Colin

I've received the kit now and m going over the certifiction requirements.

According to the NCOP11 section LS Suspension and Steering (V2.1), Section 1.1 you do not need certification if the change is "Power steering (manufacturer’s option) conversion.".
Further, under Section 1.2 you do need certification where the change is "Power steering (non-standard) conversion"

So question is "what does non-standard mean". I think the SenorBarbo Kit would be a at best a non-standard change.

There is additional reference to steering mods in Section 1.3 Modifications Not Covered Under Section LS, which states

"Remote Steering Systems: Steering systems that operate without complete mechanical connection (such as hydraulic or electric actuation) are not covered in this Code of Practice."
Hydraulic? Really? That would mean that using Range Rover kits would also not be covered. Not sure how that works. There should be a clarifying criteria that talks about failure modes, as that is the real question, what if the assistance fails? What is the reversion mechanism? With the EAPS frm Senorbarbo, a failure in assistance reverts to "manual" actuation.

I believe that Section 1.3 is may be applicable to the Senrobarbo Kit as there is now a motor between the two halves of the column. You could argue that if the engineer considers the connectors and splines to be correctly engineered, then it is one continuous drive train.

Either way I think certification will be required and as an engineer myself, it will be up to the interpretation of the individual as to which section it falls under.

I'll post again once I get further into the process

Originally Posted by Kiwilad

"Remote Steering Systems: Steering systems that operate without complete mechanical connection (such as hydraulic or electric actuation) are not covered in this Code of Practice."
Hydraulic? Really? That would mean that using Range Rover kits would also not be covered. Not sure how that works. There should be a clarifying criteria that talks about failure modes, as that is the real question, what if the assistance fails? What is the reversion mechanism? With the EAPS frm Senorbarbo, a failure in assistance reverts to "manual" actuation.

I think they're talking about full hydraulic steering, where there is a hydraulic ram in place of the steering box.