CONVERSION: Eletric Power Assist Steering to Hydraulic Power Steering

[Bushbuck]

Hi there! I’ve got a 2016 4WD px2 thats done 130xxx kms (which from memory is about 85-90xxx miles?) with EPAS and I’ve had a couple of failures with the steering rack assembly, requiring the belt to be replaced and the bearings/worm gear itself inside the rack to be replaced. The rack now feels like it’s on its way out AGAIN.
I do use it off road in the mud and up rivers, hunting in the back country mountains that New Zealand has to offer and this system seems to be not coping very well.

I’m wondering if anyone has converted back to hydraulic power steering from the PX1 rangers. Seeing as I have the same 3.2L diesel motor, I feel I would have the mounting points on the engine for the pump.
So correct me if I’m wrong, all I would need to buy is the hydraulic steering rack, power steering lines, reservoir, and an accessory drive belt to
Suit these models, Bolt it in and plumb it up and away we go. (I believe the rack mounting points on the chassis are all the same between the models.)

My biggest concern is causing a fault code and never being able to clear it.
So, is there a way to trick the ECU into thinking the EPAS ECU is still alive, well & there? Or can I remove it from existence with forscan without causing a nuclear melt down of my ECU and all associated go bits.

Thanks I’m advance for reading, have a photo of the ranger at work the other day.

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[RCMUSTANG]

This is a USA group and we don't have what you have in the rest of the world. Doubt anyone with a 2019+ would have done this.

 

[got3fords]

That seems like a lot of work and expense.

 

[Frenchy]

Unless someone made a k8t chances are it wont work. The most i have seen is kits to ads power steering and kits to convert to electric.

 

[Superdannyboy]

Did you find a solution? Electric steering is so weak.

 

[Frenchy]

Did you find a solution? Electric steering is so weak.

Please define weak. As I. Weak against 37's when the truck was designed for 30's? If that's the case you are correct

 

[Superdannyboy]

Please define weak. As I. Weak against 37's when the truck was designed for 30's? If that's the case you are correct

Hahaha yes. Sorry, it's strong for OEM parts, but the OP obviously has bigger tires so yea we are probably talking about steering problems with bigger tires.

 

[Superdannyboy]

I would really like to go hydraulic ram assist.

I hit a wall with my wheel turned all the way trying to correct my truck when I lost traction and got sideways going around a wreck that had oil spilled on the ground. My steering was off so I got an alignment but I would get a sound when turning the wheel when parking for the last few months. Sounds like when hydraulic power steering goes out. On my way home today I was going around a car and my steering wheel felt completely loose for a second and when I got home the sound was a lot louder when parking. I'm dropping it off with my mechanic tomorrow morning and I'm preparing for the worst and having to replace the gear box. My skills aren't up to par yet to fab up a custom hydraulic ram assist setup which would be proper for my tires and would hold up for bigger tires in the future as well. I mean I did slam into a concrete wall and drove away with what I thought was no damage but I'm sure I damaged the gear box. I was doing about 40 mph.

 

[jpreece]

Hi there! I’ve got a 2016 4WD px2 thats done 130xxx kms (which from memory is about 85-90xxx miles?) with EPAS and I’ve had a couple of failures with the steering rack assembly, requiring the belt to be replaced and the bearings/worm gear itself inside the rack to be replaced. The rack now feels like it’s on its way out AGAIN.
I do use it off road in the mud and up rivers, hunting in the back country mountains that New Zealand has to offer and this system seems to be not coping very well.

I’m wondering if anyone has converted back to hydraulic power steering from the PX1 rangers. Seeing as I have the same 3.2L diesel motor, I feel I would have the mounting points on the engine for the pump.
So correct me if I’m wrong, all I would need to buy is the hydraulic steering rack, power steering lines, reservoir, and an accessory drive belt to
Suit these models, Bolt it in and plumb it up and away we go. (I believe the rack mounting points on the chassis are all the same between the models.)

My biggest concern is causing a fault code and never being able to clear it.
So, is there a way to trick the ECU into thinking the EPAS ECU is still alive, well & there? Or can I remove it from existence with forscan without causing a nuclear melt down of my ECU and all associated go bits.

Thanks I’m advance for reading, have a photo of the ranger at work the other day.

Where did you manage to find the belt for steering rack?

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