You can rattle off specs all day, but the on-paper benefits of UTV power steering kits pale in comparison to simply experiencing the difference for yourself. Namely, maneuvering your machine (at lower speeds especially) becomes basically effortless, where it was a major chore before. Long riding days cause way less arm and shoulder fatigue. Riders with physical limitations, injuries, or smaller stature can control machines they couldn't handle otherwise.
At higher speeds, good power steering reduces assist automatically, preventing oversteering and maintaining natural feel. Cheap or poorly-tuned power steering feels numb and disconnected, which is dangerous when you need precise control.
The catch is that power steering systems draw 5-15+ amps when working hard, stressing electrical systems on machines with marginal alternators. They also add 15-25 pounds to your machine and create another system requiring maintenance. For machines that already struggle with electrical capacity, adding power steering might require alternator upgrades.
As with many other upgrades in the evolving world of UTVs, you can choose to go with a full ground-up kit or upgrade what you’ve already got.
If you go with a complete side-by-side power steering kit, you’ll get everything you need, including:
You can expect installation to take somewhere between four to eight hours, and you’ll need basic mechanical know-how as well as some electrical knowledge.
On the other hand, if you’re going with an upgrade kit, you’ll get a more powerful assist motor, revised pressure relief valves, control modules (that are more aggressively tuned), and more minimalistic but powerful add-ons that get you where you need to be. Keep in mind that universal kits and model-specific kits are going to differ significantly in how much adaptation and/or fabrication you’ll need to do.
Power steering systems on lifted machines with large tires and aggressive articulation can experience hydraulic pressure spikes that damage components. Pressure relief valves (for hydraulic power steering systems) limit maximum system pressure, preventing damage during extreme steering angles or when wheels contact immovable objects. They're cheap insurance ($30-100) that prevents expensive power steering pump or rack failures.
Steering stabilizers (different from power steering but often installed together) dampen steering inputs and reduce kickback from rocks or obstacles hitting wheels. They don't provide assistance but improve control and reduce arm fatigue by preventing the wheel from jerking violently when obstacles are struck. Reservoir upgrades for hydraulic systems increase fluid capacity, improving cooling and extending component life on machines used hard.
Will UTV power steering drain my battery?
You’re typically looking at a power draw of between five to fifteen amps, which isn’t going to drain your battery unless you are already overloaded with other accessories.
Can I install power steering myself?
You sure can! Especially nowadays, power steering is DIY-friendly if you have basic tools and know-how.
Will power steering make my UTV handle worse or feel disconnected?
Quality power steering systems maintain road feel and provide natural steering response. They assist your inputs without completely removing feedback about terrain and traction.