Notices
964 Forum 1989-1994
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Electric steering

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 12, 2017 | 08:16 AM
  #1  
Jonte's Avatar
Jonte
Thread Starter
Instructor
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 242
Likes: 222
Default Electric steering

I've been reading quite a few interesting posts on upgrades removing the camshaft driven servo pump and putting a electro-hydraulic unit in the frunk.

Has anyone ever tried the crazy idea of simplifying one step further and putting the electric steering rack from the 991 in?

There's some diverging opinions about the feel and touch of the EAS but would surely simplify things if the controls are not too complex to sort out.
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2017 | 11:39 AM
  #2  
onevoice's Avatar
onevoice
Instructor
 
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 150
Likes: 5
From: Southeast
Default

I don't think installing a steering system from another vehiclewould be a simplification. It could be a very expensive experiment.
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2017 | 12:13 PM
  #3  
Vandit's Avatar
Vandit
Nordschleife Master
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,613
Likes: 52
From: DFW, TX
Default

Plus that electric rack probably needs a million sensor inputs from throughout the car in order to function as designed.
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2017 | 02:04 PM
  #4  
Spyerx's Avatar
Spyerx
Rennlist Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 17,254
Likes: 2,226
From: SoCal
Default

I'd rather put a cup or MB pump in it and keep the awesome steering feel. Artificial feel of EAS is very real. In the porsche line the 991RS and GT4 are the best yet, but it is nowhere near as good as the 964 or 997 series cars.

Plus beyond controls you're dealing with rack fit.
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2017 | 04:29 PM
  #5  
964Andrew's Avatar
964Andrew
Rennlist Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 112
Default

+1

I really like the steering feel of my MB pump conversion.

Thanks!
Andrew
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2017 | 08:09 PM
  #6  
Jonte's Avatar
Jonte
Thread Starter
Instructor
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 242
Likes: 222
Default

It's interesting to see if anyone has ever looked into this.

The motivation would be that you can now take all hydraulics (and the weight) out since the motor acts directly on the rack.

The incoming steering torque comes from a sensor rack in the input pinon and is part of the piece.

There is an external connection and I imagine that this is to transmit the position of the rack and control how the rack assists the driver. However the information available is not very extensive so I'm really just guessing.
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2017 | 09:38 PM
  #7  
tjb616's Avatar
tjb616
Rennlist Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 160
From: Philly
Default

I wouldn't let you take away my steering feel if you offered to build me a new motor for free. Would completely ruin one of the cars best attributes, in my opinion. The great part about the electric pump assist is that it can actually improve steering feel, and even flip a switch to run it manual if you'd like.
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2017 | 10:38 PM
  #8  
Jonte's Avatar
Jonte
Thread Starter
Instructor
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 242
Likes: 222
Default

Again, just for discussion purposes and to clarify I'm not talking about steer by wire which is something else.

The way the EAS rack works is that it's a mechanic rack directly connected to the steering wheel with a motor assisting electro/mechanically in parallel.

With the motor turned off it should behave as any other mechanic rack or in the same way as if you turn the hydraulic pump off.
Reply
Rennlist Stories

The Best Porsche Posts for Porsche Enthusiasts

story-0

7 Porsche Models That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Stunning Porsche 356A Super GT Speedster Auction Fails to Meet Reserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Every Era of 911 Owner Explained in One Sentence

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Thinking of Buying a Porsche? Do These 10 Things First

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Pixar Pals Turned Into 1-of-1 Porsches!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-5

Theon Goes Full Carbon Fiber With Stunning New Build

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Genius Porsche-Themed Gifts That'll Make Any Dad or Grad Smile

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Used Porsches Are Selling for Way Too Cheap

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Tuner Is Converting Porsche 911s Into Shooting Brakes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

This Coachbuilt Creation Is A Modern Take on the Legendary Porsche 917

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 13, 2017 | 12:02 AM
  #9  
964Andrew's Avatar
964Andrew
Rennlist Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 112
Default

That sounds not too bad actually. Do you know what's the power draw of the motor when engaged?

It would definitely simplify the conversion.

Thanks!
Andrew
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2017 | 02:27 AM
  #10  
Jonte's Avatar
Jonte
Thread Starter
Instructor
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 242
Likes: 222
Default

Porsche as well as Bosch is claiming a lower power drain than for mechanic/hydraulic or electro/hydraulic.

The logic is the elimination of the conversion loss (el->hyd->mech) and that the power consumption is close to zero when going straight.

A pump weather mechanic or electric will be idling even if there is no steering load.
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2017 | 10:54 AM
  #11  
onevoice's Avatar
onevoice
Instructor
 
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 150
Likes: 5
From: Southeast
Default

Lots of new cars have electric power assist. There are even aftermarket units used in the hot rod world. While it is certainly possible that a unit could be as good as the stock steering, I would think it would be a long development road, not to mention expensive.
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2017 | 11:34 AM
  #12  
Jonte's Avatar
Jonte
Thread Starter
Instructor
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 242
Likes: 222
Default

I've had a look and you'll get a 991 (or Cayman/boxer since same unit) rack for 600-1000$ If you don't mind a second hand.

There is 6-pins for the connecting cable but not finding any info on this. With this I think the rest could be worked out without spending a fortune.
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2017 | 09:52 AM
  #13  
tjb616's Avatar
tjb616
Rennlist Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 160
From: Philly
Default

For what it's worth, I unplugged the servo in my Audi to deactivate the electric assist. I know thats mech/hyd with electric assist, but it certainly feels better without it. I'm assuming 991's are not a combo mech/hyd with electric assit like the Audi's, but electric only in the steering rack?
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2017 | 12:59 PM
  #14  
Jonte's Avatar
Jonte
Thread Starter
Instructor
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 242
Likes: 222
Default

This is how they look. The mechanic column from the steering wheel goes on the right side as any mechanical rack and in the same place there is a torque sensor.

The connection to control the assist (increase/decrease off/on) is a can bus.
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2017 | 01:05 PM
  #15  
RobertPaulson's Avatar
RobertPaulson
Intermediate
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Wiltshire, UK
Default

i'm sure Robt964 actually did this (electric pump, not 991 rack), maybe worth a mail?
Reply



All times are GMT -3. The time now is 07:35 AM.

story-0
7 Porsche Models That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some Porsches have become icons with age, proving that great design doesn't follow trends or expiration dates.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-16 13:40:23


VIEW MORE
story-1
Stunning Porsche 356A Super GT Speedster Auction Fails to Meet Reserve

Slideshow: One of the rarest Porsche 356 Speedsters ever built has resurfaced, offering a glimpse into a little-known chapter of the model's competition history.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-15 17:16:00


VIEW MORE
story-2
Every Era of 911 Owner Explained in One Sentence

Slideshow: Every generation of Porsche 911 attracts a different type of enthusiast, and each one comes with its own very specific personality.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 12:49:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
Thinking of Buying a Porsche? Do These 10 Things First

Slideshow: Before you start shopping for your dream Porsche, make sure you've checked these 10 items off your list.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-10 15:28:29


VIEW MORE
story-4
Pixar Pals Turned Into 1-of-1 Porsches!

Slideshow: three Porsche 911s inspired by three iconic Pixar characters!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-09 17:22:06


VIEW MORE
story-5
Theon Goes Full Carbon Fiber With Stunning New Build

Slideshow: Built around a carbon-bodied 964 and a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six, this bespoke commission highlights how far the restomod formula has evolved.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-06 14:41:46


VIEW MORE
story-6
Genius Porsche-Themed Gifts That'll Make Any Dad or Grad Smile

Slideshow: Looking for gift ideas for you Dad or your newest grad? Look no further than these Porsche-themed ideas.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-12 10:37:13


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Used Porsches Are Selling for Way Too Cheap

Slideshow: These 10 used Porsches offer more driving thrills than their price would suggest.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:11:13


VIEW MORE
story-8
Tuner Is Converting Porsche 911s Into Shooting Brakes

Slideshow: A Polish Porsche specialist is moving ahead with one of the most unusual 911 conversions in recent memory: a shooting brake version of the 991-generation sports car.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-01 19:46:47


VIEW MORE
story-9
This Coachbuilt Creation Is A Modern Take on the Legendary Porsche 917

Slideshow: A Porsche Carrera GT has been transformed into a one-off coachbuilt machine that blends analog supercar engineering with styling inspired by the legendary 917 race cars.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-01 17:06:04


VIEW MORE