Electric Steering Conversion In A P15

[YukonJack]

I was curious if anyone has converted their P!5 to electric power steering? What parts were used and if you are happy with the end result?

[DonaldSmith]

Good quest.   

 

I put belt-driven power steering in a 47DeSoto.  Electric  power steering would have avoided much work with pulleys and pump mounting.  

As it is, I cut the steering column just below the shifting linkage, and used appropriate shafts and universal joints to connect to a power steering gearbox which replaced the standard manual box.  (I thought that my report was in the archives, but i can't find it.) 

 

Some people have put in a rack and pinion assembly, for pump-driven power steering.  Your quest would be for an electric rack, if there is one, or an in-line assist motor.  There was an after-market electric system, but there was some issue whether the device would survive under the hood.   

 

Good luck - we're all counting on you. 

[Sniper]

I looked into it a little bit and came to the conclusion that it would not allow for the three on the tree shifter, so I passed.  I was looking at an inline booster.  My BMW has an electric assist rack, not sure how that would work though not to mention the cost.

[Go Fleiter]

Some years ago I checked up a Mazda electric steering unit, which would have done it  in my P23.

They cut under the dash and need 12 V.

I bought a spare steering column +shift  linkage and put a second generator (12V) under the original one (6V) and wired all,

fuses etc. inclusive.

Then, they changed regulations here: power steering was no longer accepted for

"H" (historic) licence. Too far from original, not safety relevant (disc brakes are allowed!)...

We have access bans into cities here for high emission cars.

So, living in one of these cities, I preferred to keep the "H"- Licence plates :))

and let the steering untouched.

 

A specialised dutch firm estimated 4000 € for the complete conversion.

 

Greetings from Düsseldorf!

Go

Edited December 29, 2022 by Go Fleiter