Thinking about an electric power steering conversion? Here is everything you need to make it happen.
“So, what do I need?” is one of the most common questions we get after people learn about the Hang Tight PSC through social media or from their friends. This blog post will answer that question, and give you some tips on where to get everything you need!
Let's simplify your electric power steering conversion.
Hang Tight only carries the electrical controllers, wiring, accessories that are required, so we’ve broken it down into two sections; Parts available from us and parts you'll need to get from other vendors.
1. Parts Available From Hang Tight
|
Part |
Requirement |
Cost |
|
Required |
$349.00 |
|
|
Optional |
$119.00 |
|
|
Optional |
$49.00 |
|
|
Optional |
$40.00 |
Wiring
Unless you have experience and tools for crimping OEM style connectors, we highly recommend the flying lead harness option. Our team has all the correct expertise and tooling to ensure these connections are crimped correctly. The wire type is TXL and nicely loomed for a clean looking install.
We do also offer all our kits as connector only options if you have the means to do your own wiring.
Control
The Hang Tight PSC can be controlled either with a potentiometer, or a PWM output on your aftermarket ECU. Our Potentiometers are motorsports grade and have a great feel. For simpler installations and quick changes, the potentiometer offers the fastest way to achieve this. If the PWM input is not present for any reason, you can utilize a pot in conjunction with the PWM output as a failsafe, or for control before the ECU is powered up.
Dodge EPAS Hydraulic Fitting*
We’ve custom designed a straight and 90’ fitting specifically for the Dodge Pumps. This is a requirement when using a Dodge Pump for your build. Not sure what pumps you can/should use? Keep reading, we'll get there.
*This is only needed for the Dodge pumps
To make it simple we offer bundles with all the parts needed for each type of pump. They are linked below with their pump type.
2. Parts from External Vendors
EPAS Pumps
(Used example prices taken from Ebay listings in November 2024)
|
Electric Hydraulic (EPAS) Power Steering Pumps |
||
|
Pump |
Pump Type |
Cost |
|
Mopar (Dodge) 5154662AC Electric Power Steering Pump (new from Mopar) |
Electric Driven Hydraulic Pump |
$1,103.49 |
|
Mopar (Dodge) 5154662AC Electric Power Steering Pump (used) |
Electric Driven Hydraulic Pump |
$130.00 - $230.00 (eBay) |
|
Mazda Gen 1 Electric Power Steering Pump (used) |
Electric Driven Hydraulic Pump |
$40.00+ |
|
Mazda Gen 1 Electric Power Steering Pump (new) |
Electric Driven Hydraulic Pump |
$300.00+ |
|
Volvo Gen I Electric Power Steering Pump |
Electric Driven Hydraulic Pump |
$270.00+ |
|
Volvo Gen I Electric Power Steering Pump (used) |
Electric Driven Hydraulic Pump |
$125.00+ |
The Hang Tight PSC supports 3 different electric hydraulic power steering pumps currently. These are available widely on eBay and in your local wrecking yards. Below are the vehicles you can scavenge these pumps from:
Dodge/Stellantis/Mopar
Remote reservoir units
- 2011-13 Dodge Durango, 3.6L V6
- 2014-15 Dodge Durango, 3.6L V6
- 2011-13 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 3.6L V6
Integral reservoir units
- 2011-15 Dodge Charger, 3.6L V8
- 2011-15 Dodge Challenger, 3.6L V8
- 2011-18 Chrysler 300, 3.6L V8
Bundle here
Mazda
3 connector pumps, integral reservoir.
(Note we strongly recommend the 2 connector version as they are more reliable)
- 2006-10 Mazda 3
- 2006-10 Mazda 5
2 connector pumps, integral reservoir.
- 2010-13 Mazda 3
- 2010-13 Mazda 5
Bundle here
Volvo
- 2004-13 S30, S60
- 2011-13 S60, C30, C70, V50, XC60
Bundle here
Installation Accessories
|
Part |
Required |
|
-6 AN PTFE Line |
Required |
|
-6 PTFE to AN Fittings |
Required |
|
Power Steering Pump Replacement Pulley |
Optional |
|
Mounting Solution |
Required |
Hydraulic Fittings
To complete the installation, you’ll need a few parts to connect either your steering rack or steering box to the pump. Depending on the pump, you’ll need to adapt the high pressure side of the pump to the high pressure side of your rack or steering box.
Earlier in the article, we mentioned we offer a Dodge high pressure fitting, this adapts the proprietary fitting used on those pumps to a -6 AN fitting. Our fitting can be configured in a 90* or straight off the pump making it suitable for any installation. Note these are only available are part of a Dodge kit.
Mazda pumps are threaded to use an M14x.5mm fitting and Volvo pumps use an M16x1.5mm fittings. We suggest adapting that to a -6 AN fitting with a crush washer. These can be found with most fitting supply companies as well as in JIC for steel options. We recommend Redhorse, Earl's or Vibrant for all your fitting needs.
PTFE or other high pressure rated hose (2000+ PSI) is the only type to be used for the feed from the pump to the rack.
For the return side you can use a traditional rubber hose that is safe for oil use. All the pumps mentioned use a 3/8" (-6 AN) return hose. The remote reservior Dodge pumps also have a 3/4" hose inlet for return as well as the 3/8". Our preference is to use a remote reservior and a 3/4" hose (-12 AN can work with some stretching) and cap the -6 when using that style.
Mechanical Power Steering Replacement Pulley
Choosing your replacement pulley is one of the more difficult parts of the process, and has many variables. Modern engines like the GM GenV V8 (LT) platform don’t have mechanical hydraulic pump provisions, so that makes it fairly easy, but for older platforms, replacing the traditional pump in your serpentine belt can be a bit tricky.
It’s definitely important to research this before doing the upgrade.
There are some delete kits on the market and some engines you only need to use a shorter belt!
For example on the Toyota 1UZ/3UZ V8 engines Collins Performance makes a delete kit.
For LS engines ICT Billet makes a simple delete kit as well
Mounting Solution
Correctly mounting electric hydraulic pumps is imperative to their performance and survival. If you’re sourcing your pump used, do your best to find pumps that retain the factory bracketry. It’s recommended to retain the rubber isolators in the brackets the same way the OEM did. Mcmaster Carr offer an M8 isolator stud that will work for most installs.
Ensure you’re mounting them in the correct factory orientation, this is one of the most common mistakes made, especially with the Dodge pumps since they are horizontally mounted.
Still have questions?
We suggest watching our installation video on Terence’s 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass on YouTube. You can watch that below!
Tony Angelo from Stay Tuned Garage also did a great job installing the PSC in his LS swapped Porsche 911. You can check that out below.
