Technical Resources

If your BK Racing Vue Electric Power Steering kit is not functioning correctly, don’t panic. Most issues are caused by wiring, voltage supply problems, poor grounds, or faulty donor steering units. This guide will walk you through the most common problems we see and how to diagnose them properly.

Start With the Basics

Before replacing parts, always begin by checking the electrical system.

Inspect:

• Battery terminals
• Ground connections
• Main power cable connections
• Controller plugs
• Steering unit connectors

Loose, corroded, or weak connections can cause intermittent steering assist, controller shutdowns, or complete failure.

Even a connection that “looks fine” can create voltage drop under load.

Controller Power-Up Sequence Matters

One of the most overlooked issues is improper controller power sequencing.

The BK Racing Vue controller is sensitive to unstable power conditions. The steering unit should be energized approximately 20 seconds before power is cut to the controller.

For best results:

• Connect the controller to an ignition-on or auxiliary switched circuit
• Avoid unstable or constantly interrupted power sources
• We typically wire the main power cable to the “ON” side of the master disconnect switch

Improper shutdown or unstable voltage can cause the controller to behave erratically.

Battery and Charging System Problems

Electric power steering systems are highly sensitive to voltage fluctuations.

A weak battery, failing alternator, or unstable charging system can cause:

• Intermittent assist
• Random steering shutoff
• Jerky steering behavior
• Controller communication issues

Things to check:

• Battery voltage under load
• Charging voltage while running
• Bad battery cells
• Alternator output consistency
• Ground integrity between engine, chassis, and battery

Even a slight charging system issue can affect steering performance and cause intermittent stiffness or loss of power assist.

Why is my electric power steering intermittently stiff?

Intermittent stiffness in electric power steering is often caused by voltage drops, poor grounding, or fluctuating electrical supply. Ensuring the battery and alternator are functioning correctly and all connections are solid typically resolves these issues.

Used OEM Steering Boxes Are Inconsistent

This is something many people do not realize.

The OEM Vue electric steering units vary greatly in condition, especially when sourced used from salvage vehicles.

During assembly and testing of our kits, we commonly find that approximately 2 out of every 5 steering boxes are defective or unsuitable for use.

Common internal failures include:

• Faulty torque sensors
• Internal motor problems
• Electronic module failure
• Intermittent operation
• Dead spots in steering assist

Many defective units show no visible damage externally.

Not All Controllers Are the Same

It is important to understand that not all electric power steering controllers operate identically.

The troubleshooting information in this article is based specifically on BK Racing controllers and the systems we have tested extensively.

We cannot guarantee these troubleshooting steps will apply to:

• Other brands of controllers
• Modified controllers
• Unknown aftermarket controllers
• Homemade controller systems not purchased from BK Racing

Different controllers may use different startup logic, voltage tolerances, or internal programming strategies.

If You’ve Exhausted All Options…

If:

• Wiring checks good
• Grounds are solid
• Battery and alternator test properly
• Controller wiring is correct
• Voltage is stable

…and the steering still does not function correctly, the steering unit itself may simply be defective.

At that point, we recommend trying another steering box assembly.

Unfortunately, due to the age and condition of many donor units, internal failure of the steering unit is not uncommon.

Final Thoughts

Electric power steering conversions are an excellent upgrade for race cars and performance builds, but they depend heavily on stable electrical systems and good donor components.

Most problems are electrical-related, but sometimes the issue truly is the steering box itself.

Taking the time to properly diagnose voltage supply, grounding, and component condition will save countless hours of frustration.

BK Racing continues testing and refining these systems to provide the most reliable setup possible for Ecotec racers and performance enthusiasts.