EZ Electric Power Steering uses for all conversions electric power steering housing as applied in modern cars, mainly manufactured by Koyo and NSK. Both are Japanese manufacture. The advantage of these units is that various safety features are built-in, making it easy to obtain TÜV approval. If the electronics fail, the car steers precisely as before the conversion to power steering. Moreover, this happens very gradually, like an old tube radio (after 1 to 2 seconds); therefore, the power steering gradually decreases and there is no startle reaction at the wheel if the unit were to fail during a turn. In the unlikely event that an electric motor should jam, a slip clutch in the transmission ensures that the steering can never jam.
Our working method
EZ Electric Power Steering develops a metal mounting frame for each type of car. For the prototype, this frame is bent, drilled and welded by hand (just the frame, not the car!) after which the final design is placed on the computer by a CAD drawing. Then the frame is laser cut and set at the correct angles. The final frame then has several adjustment options to accommodate the large tolerances in classic cars. The input and output shafts have the original external spline joints at the ends, allowing the use of the original steering wheel and steering rack. The other side of the shafts have internal splines that connect to the power steering unit. This ensures reliable confirmation at all times. The ECU (Electronic Control Unit) and torsion sensor, which control the degree of excitation, are modified by us to perfectly match the steering character for which we develop the kit. Modern ECUs work with CAN (Controller Area Network) bus data signals that are not present in a classic car. For this purpose, EZ Electric Power Steering has developed an interface that mimics the engine speed, speed signal and steering angle from the CANbus and thus controls the ECU. The speed signal can be realized artificially, via GPS or by a speed adapter on the odometer.
Motor sport
We regularly get requests for rally cars. The steering of these cars are subjected to extreme stress. To this, of course, we adapted our EZ power steering. For this niche market, we have developed additional adjustment capabilities with integrated cooling for the electric motor and control unit.
Pre-war systems
We are proud to announce that one of our last “obstacles” has also been overcome: EZ electric power steering for pre-war vehicles while retaining all steering functions. In many pre-war vehicles, mechanical controls (for throttle, pre-ignition, damping, lighting or the fuel mixture, among others) run through the steering shaft. These functions are controlled by a “stator tube” that keeps the controls stationary while the steering wheel turns. In this stator tube often even three other tubes twist together for the other controls. To incorporate electric power steering into the column, we need a column with a hollow shaft. Therefore, it was necessary to develop a new system. By the way, this is applicable not only to prewar models, but also to younger cars with a hollow steering shaft.
The system can be supplied as a kit with adapters that allow the unit to be mounted in the original steering column. We supply a complete replacement column for various models. In most cases, it is possible to restore the original steering gear to its original condition. The steering box must obviously be in good condition for conversion to electric power steering. We check if this is the case, and if necessary, we also offer an overhaul service.
Currently, we have already equipped over 130 vehicles with this new pre-war system. Among these are Vintage and Derby Bentley models, the Rolls Royce Phantom, the Cadillac V16, Packards, Cords, Lagondas, the Alvis Speed 20 and 25 and the Mercedes 540 K.