Converting to Electric Servo Steering can significantly enhance your vehicle’s handling and driving experience. This guide delves into a crucial step in the process: modifying your steering column to accommodate an electric power steering unit. Inspired by insights from EZ-Powersteering, this article outlines the process of precisely cutting and preparing your steering column for a seamless electric servo steering integration.
The initial step involves determining the optimal cutting point on your steering column. As illustrated, the aim is to leave approximately 110mm of the column extending from the tube, measured up to the end of the “slot”. Accurate measurements are paramount for a successful installation.
Steering Column Cut Point
Next, it’s essential to ascertain the length of the steering column that resides within the 145mm long tube, which connects to the coupling. This measurement is approximately 115mm. This precise measurement is critical for ensuring proper alignment and functionality of your electric servo steering system.
Steering Column Length Inside Tube
Calculating the total column length extending from the mounting bracket is crucial. This is done by adding the tube length (145mm) and the previously determined extension (110mm), resulting in approximately 255mm from the point where the unit contacts the mounting bracket. This calculation is vital for verifying compatibility and fitment.
Steering Column and Mounting Bracket Position
A critical measurement to consider is the exact length from the marked screw to the bracket on Left Hand Drive (LHD) Triumph Roadsters (TRs). This is calculated to be 137mm (145mm tube – 3mm steel – 5mm screw head) + 110mm = 247mm. This refined measurement highlights the precision needed for specific vehicle models.
Detailed Steering Column Length Measurement
Comparing this calculated length with the available length on a steering column (approximately 228mm) reveals a potential issue. The current tube construction is potentially 19mm too long (247mm – 228mm). This discrepancy emphasizes the importance of precise measurements to avoid fitment problems.
To rectify this, shortening the tube is necessary. Reducing the tube length by 25mm, resulting in a 120mm tube, is suggested to ensure adequate clearance. This adjustment is crucial for the lower steering column to fit correctly between the steering rack and the upper steering column when installing electric servo steering.
Revised Steering Column Length Sketch
Prior to proceeding with welding or further modifications, it is highly recommended to double-check these measurements on your specific vehicle project. Accurate measurements and careful planning are essential when undertaking a DIY electric servo steering conversion. Taking the time to verify these dimensions will save potential complications and ensure a successful upgrade to electric servo steering.
