Piston Slap: ND Verdict on Electric Power Steering?

San writes:

I have been interested in the Mazda MX-5 for a while now. I had a few questions based upon my interest in the 2016 MX-5.

Mazda has also decided to switch from hydraulic steering to electric steering in the MX-5. In a niche enthusiast vehicle, is there any reason that this is happening? All I read about are enthusiast reviews about how numb electric steering is in cars, and Mazda makes this change in the face of all the criticism. Is it just CAFE laws? Or is there another reason that escapes me?

People also on occasion opt for a roll-bar for the MX-5 in the rare case of a rollover. Some folks on the internet have claimed that a roll-bar may make safety worse for some MX-5s depending on the model. What the heck are they talking about? Isn’t a roll-bar always better than none?

Answer my questions, or else! Or else I’ll go back to lurking. (No, this was great! – SM)

Sajeev answers:

Son, that new Miata looks to be the business. In fact, I predict every auto journo that gets one for a week, delivered to their home for free, with a full tank of gas, will blow their load over it. Of course they’ll never mention the 100 percent valid need for LSX-FTW like I would…but I digress…

Concern On paper, there are many fantastic reasons to ditch hydraulics for electric power steering. It’s less complicated (no hoses, hydraulic valves and fluid, etc.), takes strain off the engine (no power steering pump), so there’s more power, less weight, and less things to break after 5+ years of use. I doubt CAFE had anything to do with it — that’s a side benefit — and it’s all in the name of technology and progress. Think of all the self parking and self driving potential!

Would I worry about the lack of steering feel that’s so prominent in electric power steering? Not really, because everyone needs a new vehicle at some point. Wishing for the good ‘ole days of hydraulic steering will be like an old codger longing for carburetors, crank windows, 15-inch wheels or Panther Love chrome bumpers. The new Miata uses dual pinion steering, a setup we’ve experienced in the Mazda RX-8. Honestly, the RX-8 had decent steering feedback.

Concern Quality aftermarket roll bars on droptops are a very good thing. If you’re tall, make sure your head won’t smack it in any situation, although the seat should protect you in cases of neck snapping whiplash. The NC Miata had a modest roll bar, legal enough for what could happen on the street — provided you wear your seat belt! It’s not adequate for the life-altering realities of accidents on a race track.

I am sure the ND aftermarket will make a better bar which you should consider for rollover protection on the street or the track, provided your head is adequately protected (by the seat back) from it. If you are a real racer, a full cage and a racing helmet is mandatory.

If you never push this car to its limit, the stock stuff will be fine.

[Image: Mazda]

Send your queries to sajeev@thetruthaboutcars.com. Spare no details and ask for a speedy resolution if you’re in a hurry…but be realistic, and use your make/model specific forums instead of TTAC for more timely advice.