So I'm having a crazy idea and need some answers. Wondering if anyone here has the answers I seek. (2012 Taurus SEL)
As an automotive technician, I have a keen grasp on many different aspects of vehicle design including cross matching from make and model to fabrication. My intended goal is to modify my steering system.
My wife's 2013 Focus has electronic steering. My Taurus has hydraulic steering. I'm curious as to what makes and models cross with my Taurus.
As a Honda guy, I have gotten very use to taking parts from one vehicle and using it on another. An example of this is replacing my Integras ABS system with a non ABS system from a Civic. Replacing the brake booster, master cylinder, and brake lines. Worked as expected.
With this being said, I'm curious if there is a model that shares my vehicle build that utilizes electronic steering. I hope that I may be able to direct fit as a replacement for my current system. Or if there is something very similar that I could utilize in the same manner with some fabrication.
Unfortunately I don't have a lot of free time for the next few months and I really want to try to get this project conceptually moving forward and am hoping to run into someone that has already done this, has thought about doing this or has the information I need to get this idea on paper and hopefully into existence.
Posted Sep 6, 2019, 3:57 AM UTC
I'm pretty sure that 6th generation Taurus's came with EPAS as an option at some point. You might be able retrofit one from another Taurus.
Also, the 6th gen Taurus is on the Ford D3 platform. I imagine that most of the other models on that platform would show some similarity.
However, as a fellow driver, don't do this. Electronic steering is a lot more involved than you think. To follow your ABS example, what would it take to replace a non-ABS brake system with a ABS one?
Thank you for the info, I appreciate it.
As far as the ABS question, it would take an ABS pump, lines, booster, master, and some wiring into an appropriate ECU or ABS computer depending on the system.
I'm thinking the electric steering system would need a rack, wiring harness, steering column, and computer. Depending on if the steering system is run by the ECU, BCM, or TCM. Or it may have it's own computer like the abs system. None of that is daunting me, but I do understand where you are coming from.
I figured I could find most these parts at Pick-n-pull. As most vehicles that are damaged are usually body related which causes a total out by insurance. I have used plenty of suspension parts from them with no issues.
Actually talking this out made me think of another way to part this out. I'm going to research my wife's vehicle and see how the whole system is pieced together. Then I can get a list of needs. Fresh eyes and all, thank you.