What was initially used in luxury vehicles for the past 50 years has become standard in all cars—the power steering. The steering wheel has undergone significant improvements in recent years, and the power steering system has made steering easier and safer.
In simpler terms, steering the wheels no longer depends solely on the driver’s manual force. Instead, it’s now done via a system powered by either an electric or hydraulic source, giving it its name, power steering.
Most power steering mechanisms use the rack-and-pinion design because of its simplicity, which reduces manufacturing costs. The system also helps in fuel economy and makes vehicle handling easier. Here are the fundamentals of the power steering system that you should know.
Types of Power Steering Systems
There are three main types of power steering systems, namely:
- Hydraulic
- Electric
- Hybrid
In a hydraulic system, the effort needed to turn the wheels is reduced by a hydraulic mechanism. When a driver rotates the steering wheel, the hydraulic power steering pump (powered by the engine) forces the power steering fluid through the system's lines, exerting pressure on the rack and pinion and resulting in the rotation of the vehicle wheels.
The electric system uses a motor that provides torque to the rack, which turns the wheels. The hybrid system works just like the hydraulic power steering system, except that the hydraulic pump is replaced with an electric power steering pump.
Hydraulic and hybrid power steering systems are common in passenger cars, while the electric system is mostly used in larger cars tasked with carrying heavy loads.
Hydraulic Power Steering System
There are three common power steering problems that you’re likely to encounter if your car uses a hydraulic system.
- Leaking power steering fluid – if you notice grinding noises from your car when you take a turn, you may have a leaking power steering fluid. You may also see fluid leaking from the car's engine on the driver's side after you've parked the car for a while. NEVER DRIVE WHEN YOU NOTICE A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE.
- Worn-out drive or serpentine belt – loud screeching noise when making a sharp turn is an indicator of a loose, worn, or slipping drive belt, and for newer vehicles, it may be the serpentine belt.
- Damaged hose – the hose conveys the hydraulic fluid throughout the system. If you experience a sudden difficulty in steering the vehicle, that’s one sign of a damaged hose. Whenever you notice an issue with the hose during a routine check, immediately replace it.
Electric Power Steering System
The power steering system forms part of the Control Area Network (CAN), which includes the ECM and ABS control system and links all the electronic systems within a car to ensure proper communication between the electrical components. These modules share information – like vehicle speed, steering angle, and ambient temperature – to solve mechanical issues like torque steer.
Through its sophisticated software, it regulates the amount of assistance to improve the steering feel and the temperature of the motor that runs the system.
Main Parts of an Electric Power Steering System
- Motor – most electric power steering systems use a three-phased electric brushless motor to allow for a more precise application of torque at low RPMs. The motor's source of power is a modulated DC voltage and will generally range from 9 to 16 volts. In some cars, the motor is connected to the power steering rack while others have it mounted to the base of the power steering gear.
- Module – it is considered the heart of an electric power steering system, where the signal generators, drivers, metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), and current monitor circuit are found. It protects the motor from overheating by prompting the system to go into a fail-safe mode and will generate a DTC to alert the driver with a warning light or message.
You can buy power steering and more car parts, including a drive belt, serpentine belt, and motors from the sellers in our network at CarPart Australia. We can also help you locate a dealer in your location should you need them urgently. Request a part today!