Power steering Yes/No?

[bikerboy]

EPS will not decrease the power of the engine, it is electric opposed to being belt driven by the engine.

Really? So it will not take away any power output? What about added weight?

[Alan Smithee]

I don't have it and see no need for it.

I've found the steering heft is very sensitive to front tire pressures; if you don't have power steering and find the steering too heavy at low speeds, check your pressures. I've found the car steers and handles best with a few PSI more than the recommended pressures.

[Jordon]

Don't these cars have speed sensitive power steering?? At low speeds there is more assistance and at higher speeds it there is hardly any assistance. I know this is the case with my 14 year old T-bird, but it is hydrolic and not electric.

And Im sure it adds weight, but it should not be noticable, a hydrolic pump may weigh 15lbs with fluid.

Should note, we drove one without p/s for a week, it was fine to not have it. The orphan we bought has comfort package with p/s, works great, not needed (by me, she loves it) but works great.

[El Kabong]

IMHO, if you're leaning towards the comfort package, it's a no-brainer. If not, it seems a bit overpriced to me. If it were under $200, I would have gone with it. I drove a smart with and without power steering, and ordered without, knowing it would be fine. We've had the car for almost a month now, and don't regret the decision to do without. BTW, I have Lorinsers with wide (215/35/17) tires on the front, and steering is no problemo...............

[Smart Enuf]

Anyone know if the power steering helps/hurts in the event of an emergency fast lane change or similar maneuver (i.e., does it provide faster steering response)?

[Smart Enuf]

Originally Posted by bikerboy

Really? So it will not take away any power output? What about added weight?

From the technical manual that was just posted:

General

Electric Power Steering (EPS) is a direct steering
system with integral speed
dependent power assis

tance and active steering centering. This ensures
that steering wheel forces remain low when the
vehicle is being maneuvered.
An electromechanical system offers the following
advantages compared to a conventional hydraulic
power steering system:
• Less weight and smaller installation space
• Greater degree of freedom to adjust the steering
assistance
• Reduced fuel consumption.
EPS operates without hydraulic components such as
pumps, reservoirs, coolers, lines and hydraulic fluid,
and is therefore a dry, environmentally compatible
system.

[pabille]

My friend and I ordered ours without PS. With 195/50s on 6" Rials up front, mine is still nimble and easy to maneuver. No problems steering when hitting the carpool lane at 70+. Not saying that females are weak, my female friend has no problems parallel parking on her street. I saved money on PS only to buy other goodies.

[smartNup]

I have an occasional shoulder and arm problem and the smart with out power steering is no problem at all.

[bikerboy]

If I decided to not get the comfort package but I wanted leather how much do you guys think it would cost to cover the seats in leather with nice stitching? They don't offer leather without the comfort package so I would have to go to an upholstery shop.

[smartYsmileS]

~ I don't have power steering and it isn't even an issue for me . .