Malibus' electric steering; good, bad or maybe?

[videobruce]

I have been looking into this somewhat new "esteer" as Delphi calls it in the '04 and newer Malibus';
http://delphi.com/manufacturers/auto.../electric/eps/

What are the opinons of the owners here about this? I have seen more negitive responses in most of these so called 'expert reviews' because of the lack of feedback (road feel). Anyone have or know of anyone with problems and what do you think about the 'road feel'?

[rodeo02]

I really like it on my Cobalt. No belt, no power steering pump, no power steering fluid, less under-hood clutter, etc. It's got a good feel to it as well IMO. The only drawback I could see, is it's a sealed unit. Probably grease filled. If that gease gets contaminated or breaks down you are SOL. My BIL has a 2004 Malibu Maxx with the electric power steering. No issues at all for them.

Joel

[videobruce]

I agree. Less is better. Exactly where is the 'motor'?

[stratford_boy]

simpler is better, however right now alot more money to fix. think you have to replace the rack to replace the motor.

[videobruce]

I'm not sure where the motor is, according to that link I posted, it could be rack or collumn mounted though I believe it is above the rack as a separate unit.

[rodeo02]

Bruce, you got it. The servo motor is actually mounted on the steering column. A separate component from the rack as far as I know. The motor should be up against the firewall.

Joel

[videobruce]

What I was referring to it appeared to be just above the rack itself, not on the collumn. There is a round black device with an electrical cable connected that sits above and somewhat attached to the rack. I 'assumed' it was the motor.

[rodeo02]

The drive motor and controls is up under the dash on my delta chassis. You can reach right up and feel the electric motor housing sticking out to the left. I assume it's the same on the Mali's.

Joel

[wpbharry]

I've had my '04 Maxx for 3 years now and I like it just fine. To be honest, I barely noticed any diff compared to my prior '98 Mali.

I have no idea what the press' fuss was all about.

[videobruce]

Motor magazine had two articles on this. The motor is on the collumn under the dash.