96 NSX - Disabling Power Steering Questions

[Hugh]

Is it safe to simply disconnect the EPS box and remove it from the car? Are there any long or short term issues with the steering rack and if removing throws a code, is there a way to jump the connectors to "fool" the car into thinking the EPS is still connected?

I thought there was a thread on this topic a while back but I searched and for the life of me, can't find it.

 

[nsx2tall]

I'm about to embark on something close to this. I will most likely be attempting to replace my EPS rack with a manual one sometime this week (if AoB is willing, the car is there now). I don't plan on removing the EPS unit, but I believe the EPS light might illuminate once it is disconnected. If it does, I'll post my method for turning the light off. I have run the car with the EPS fuse pulled, so I know it'll run without the unit. Though my unit works fine, it's the squeak in the rack that has lead me to this replacement.

I'd love to hear if anyone here has done a refurbishment on an EPS rack (in the US).

 

[docjohn]

I used to run track events with the abs and eps fuses removed,I did it for about 1 season and felt no great benefits so I keep both "aids" working.

 

[Hugh]

I don't plan on removing the EPS unit, but I believe the EPS light might illuminate once it is disconnected.

After we removed the EPS brain and started the car the EPS light did not come one. he has driven the car about 20 additional today and still no EPS light.

Is replacing the rack really necessary? His steering now feels identical to my '93.

 

[nsx2tall]

After we removed the EPS brain and started the car the EPS light did not come one. he has driven the car about 20 additional today and still no EPS light.

Is replacing the rack really necessary? His steering now feels identical to my '93.

I did suspect as much, that is why I used "might" instead of "will". The EPS wiring diagram shows the source of the EPS light is actually the EPS unit. Disable power to the unit and no light.

There is a squeak near the steering position/speed sensor on the pinion gear. It squeaks turning right and chirps turning left. It may come down to lubrication, but I'm prepared for all outcomes. No one likes an NSX that chirps...:redface:

 

[Hugh]

There is a squeak near the steering position/speed sensor on the pinion gear. It squeaks turning right and chirps turning left. It may come down to lubrication, but I'm prepared for all outcomes. No one likes an NSX that chirps...:redface:

Other than for the purpose of eliminating the farm animal sounds is there a sound reason to replace the P/S rack if you simply want to permanently disable the EPS?

 

[NSXTech]

If the farm animal noises are coming from bad bearings , or bad bushings in the linear motor or rack support, then the rack will eventualy develop excess play problems, or worse. Can't be ignored forever.

HTH,
Mark

 

[nsx2tall]

I would venture to guess that your real concern is seizing of the EPS rack or something similar? Anyone who's driven one with a bad EPS unit for a few thousand miles should jump in on this. Otherwise I couldn't say.

But consider these for longevity:

- less weight
- manual rack can be disassembled and rebuilt at 1/10th the cost