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Thread: improve steering feel by switching off electric assist?

  1. #1

    improve steering feel by switching off electric assist?

    File this under half-baked...

    One of the frequent criticisms of the car is numb steering feel. Has anyone tried pulling the electric assist fuse to see what it feels like as fully manual?

    I would *assume* the assist is off at highway speeds anyway, but I could be wrong.

    I'm used to cars with manual steering... probably wouldn't bother me.


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        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2014 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 63.2 mpg (US) ... 26.9 km/L ... 3.7 L/100 km ... 75.9 mpg (Imp)


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    MyNewMirage (04-29-2014)

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    Senior Member Ares's Avatar
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    I moved the car in neutral with the engine off. As soon as the car rolls, steering wheel is manageable. Not as heavy as my Kia Rio that did NOT have PS.

    I'd say that the mirage would definitely benefit from having less intrusion of the PS.

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    Probably a conscious decision by Mitsubishi to enhance the power steering to enable easy handling in city driving vs road feel on the highway. The car isn't a land yacht by any means, so probably wasn't focused on highway cruising.

    The MPG figures the car gets, however, will likely cause many to use the car for longer commutes, as larger cars tend to eat too big a chunk of the paycheck.

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    debburyl (01-31-2015)

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    Administrator Daox's Avatar
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    Electronic power steering doesn't really give assist at higher speeds. The amount of steering assist is based off of:

    1) steering wheel torque (measured by a sensor)
    2) vehicle speed (less at higher speeds)
    Custom Mirage products: Cruise control kit, Glove box light, MAF sensor housing, Rear sway bar, Upper grill block

    Current project: DIY Nitrous oxide setup for ~$100

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        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2015 Mirage DE 1.2 manual: 47.2 mpg (US) ... 20.1 km/L ... 5.0 L/100 km ... 56.7 mpg (Imp)


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    Senior Member kerc's Avatar
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    I know the steering can be a bit numb, but oh boy, I love that extremely light steering you get at low speeds. Makes city driving so easy.

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    Senior Member Ares's Avatar
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    What I want to know is what fuse controls the steering? If that was pulled, the steering pump wont work, thus no power steering?

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    Senior Member kerc's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ares View Post
    What I want to know is what fuse controls the steering? If that was pulled, the steering pump wont work, thus no power steering?
    Isn't the system an electric one, as opposed to a hydraulic one? This is a diagram from Mitsubishi Electric:

    Attached Images Attached Images  

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    Administrator Daox's Avatar
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    Yes, its electric. Pulling the fuse kills power to the electric motor on the steering column.
    Custom Mirage products: Cruise control kit, Glove box light, MAF sensor housing, Rear sway bar, Upper grill block

    Current project: DIY Nitrous oxide setup for ~$100

        __________________________________________

        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2015 Mirage DE 1.2 manual: 47.2 mpg (US) ... 20.1 km/L ... 5.0 L/100 km ... 56.7 mpg (Imp)


  11. #9
    Senior Member Ares's Avatar
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    Mybad. I was thinking an electric motor powered the hydraulic steering, instead of leeching energy from the drive belt.

    Point still stands: find the fuse, drive around, see if you'd rather keep the fuse out or put it back in.

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    Senior Member IchabodCrane's Avatar
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    This is essentially the same as the power steering system on my ATV. The system senses any steering input and adds torque to amplify it with an electric motor, resulting in a lighter feel and less effort at the steering wheel.
    Kinda' like how self driving mowers only drive when you're pushing them.
    The good news for you who are so inclined is that turning it off will do no harm to the system. I would expect that some dash lights will protest brightly though.


    Will weld for beer.

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        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2014 Mirage SE 1.2 automatic: 45.3 mpg (US) ... 19.3 km/L ... 5.2 L/100 km ... 54.5 mpg (Imp)


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