Review: Owl Grenadier Steering Pump Upgrade

[ecohen2]

I don't actually mind the noise, I just wish I could reduce the amount of assist... It is way too light so you don't get a sense of what is going on...

 

[Agile1]

was there any difference in tone? has this been put on a noisy pump? just curious if some of this noise is high frequency valve chatter.

Yes, the factory pump was much quieter after the boost kit was added.

 

[parb]

What exactly is in their kit? they keep the stock pump and just change the valving and remap how it reacts to input based on speed?

 

[HereinDaRockies]

and what is this pump cooler that you need to add?

 

[Zimm]

Yes, the factory pump was much quieter after the boost kit was added.

Do you need to remove the pump to put the kit in?

 

[mji111]

Do you need to remove the pump to put the kit in?

I am interested in understanding how involved this job is as well. I watched the video for installing this in a jeep and all of the work is in removing the pump. Changing out the adjustable spring assembly to increase the psi is very easy if you can get access to it.

 

[Agile1]

Do you need to remove the pump to put the kit in?

I did not remove the pump, it's straight forward if you're a mechanically competent person.
Tip: loosen the pump from its mount completely in place.
As Apex states, "DO NOT lose any parts"

 

[Agile1]

and what is this pump cooler that you need to add?

I did not add a cooler... no issues in 25K plus miles.

 

[Agile1]

What exactly is in their kit? they keep the stock pump and just change the valving and remap how it reacts to input based on speed?

The Apex kit?
* Spring
* Custom plug to replace the plug that holds the spring, allows for adjustment
* Manifold to TEE in the PSI gauge to set pressure

 

[ppearman]

Ordered and look forward to installing once back in Cape Town

 

[HereinDaRockies]

So strange how did you make the connection that this item would work with the Ineos ps pump?

 

[Agile1]

So strange how did you make the connection that this item would work with the Ineos ps pump?

45 years of experience doing stuff outside the lines and great connections.

 

[outono]

Welp, unrelated to the new pump, but my steering shaft rubbed through a coolant line today. Has anyone seen this before?

 

[Dokatd]

Well, my issue has been, electric motors are very consistent when manufactured, you dont get 10% of motors coming off the line as being noisy. lots of NVH and heat tend to be your cues for impending doom, and yet we get mostly quiet units with some squealers as far as the pump assemblies go, and nothing is failing. so, I'm not sold on the actual motor being the assembly culprit just just yet, I'm still leaning towards it being the application, like a cheaply constructed or poorly designed impeller with bad bearings or out of balance, or a valve.

View: https://youtu.be/Ef8ke29cO14?si=Cotlj_N_gvqZASEt


This is 100% electric motor.

Upping the pressure might help due to increased load on the motor maybe.

 

[Zimm]

View: https://youtu.be/Ef8ke29cO14?si=Cotlj_N_gvqZASEt


This is 100% electric motor.

Upping the pressure might help due to increased load on the motor maybe.

I hear it, but it’s also driving an impeller every time you do that. Granted, my experience is with 10 to 1000 + hp electric compressor motors but, most of the whine that will deafen in you, is not the motor. It’s compressor unit. Kinda like an old Paxton or Weiand . In a Porsche 911 You hear a turbo whining away and it doesn’t have an electric motor… it’s the impeller making the high pitched noise as it pushes “fluid”.

 

[Dokatd]

I hear it, but it’s also driving an impeller every time you do that. Granted, my experience is with 10 to 1000 + hp electric compressor motors but, most of the whine that will deafen in you, is not the motor. It’s compressor unit. Kinda like an old Paxton or Weiand . In a Porsche 911 You hear a turbo whining away and it doesn’t have an electric motor… it’s the impeller making the high pitched noise as it pushes “fluid”.

That would be a wimpy impeller. It's just not even remotely close to the whine of hydraulic systems of this size. And the sound doesn't change significantly when more pressure is applied.

I don't have anything to back this up, just my opinion. And these electric power steering pumps are new to me as I have never owned one before this truck outside of my wife's two Rivians. The Rivian is silent of course.

 

[LazarusTheGrenny]

Just had the Owl P/S pump installed yesterday.

TL;DR: Little to no noise, Drives better on highway: easier to track straight, good compliment to an adjustable steering stabilizer, possibly made by PSC Steering (just a hunch).

Summary:

• Speculation (do not take this as fact!): I believe they worked with PSC Steering (and perhaps Ineos) to develop this kit, PSP did the engineering. - this is likely why they can't/will not share yet some of the technical details of the pump. PSC likely revised a design they sell for Jeeps/4XE/Wrangler/etc., also stated they did the re-map software.
• The clue that tipped me to this was the fact that when I asked what fluid they put in, the tech came out of the shop with PSC's Super Blu PowerSteering fluid which is compatible with CHF 11S (supposedly exceeds standards for BMW, Bosh, Jeep - we have essentially the same pump as Wranglers)
• Likely software keeps the pump operating for longer duration and at higher line pressure (similar to what John has done with the Apex kit)
• Install at Owl took 4.5 hrs
• Note: the pump they installed on my truck, is NOT Owl Blue like in the photos, so note that if it's important to you.
• Dealer service: Owl stated that if the dealer is performing software updates to the vehicle, do make sure that they do not update any steering software on the module as it would overwrite the bespoke software native to the new pumps.
• Owl (SoCal) stated that for the past 2-3 weeks they've been installing about Qty: 10 P/S pumps on customer Grenny's. Starting to get a good customer base for reliability/performance studies.
• I retained my OE P/S pump as a "just-in-case", if this thing is all good and no leaks or issues in a year, I'll likely off-load said OE pump.

Driving: (My truck is a 2024 ~June 24 build/blend date || Note: Tires: 33.3" KO3's, I have a 1.7" front lift with Caster out of spec (in the wrong direction (-), and will be correcting this with the Metalcloak control arms sometime in Feb, which should further improve road manners among other traits), I also have the FOX ATS steering damper ~5 clicks from softest setting:

• On highway driving is improved, driving concrete split seam freeways in the SoCal area: the steering definitely has a tighter feel and wanders less, especially under braking (I also have upgraded front brakes: PowerBrake X-line Stage II kit). I would say that I'd more confidently hand the keys to my truck to a trusted driver than before the pump installation, which was important for me on long trips with co-drivers.
• Driving around town: seems like the steering is slightly heavier, maybe... Also pump response is better, so far less stuttering compared to OE which should improve driver steering feel at low speed.
• Return to center is largely unaffected, however better (more positive) caster settings and the steering stabilizer upgrades are the trick here.
• NOISE: pump whine is nearly imperceptible in almost all conditions, except for when idling/standing right next to a concrete wall on the RHS of the vehicle) - big win here!
• Overall generally in consensus with the OP's impressions here! Thanks for starting the thread!

More info/impressions to come as I go out to the desert this weekend!

 

[MileHigh]

Just had the Owl P/S pump installed yesterday.

TL;DR: Little to no noise, Drives better on highway: easier to track straight, good compliment to an adjustable steering stabilizer, possibly made by PSC Steering (just a hunch).

• Install at Owl took 4.5 hrs

More info/impressions to come as I go out to the desert this weekend!

How much was it totally installed?