In the old days, steering your car was a difficult task. Today, it is much easier thanks to power steering.
Concept
The concept of power steering is pretty simple: it adds controlled energy to a car’s steering system, reducing the effort required to turn the wheels. This makes it easier to maneuver around at low speeds and during parking maneuvers. It’s also helpful when negotiating curves at high speeds. In most systems, the computer adjusts the steering effort based on vehicle speed.
When the driver turns the steering wheel, input is received by sensors on the steering column and relayed to an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU analyzes these signals and sends them to an electric motor attached to the steering gear. This electric motor then provides torque on the basis of the inputs from the ECU to the pinion, which transmits this torque to the rack, turning the front wheels of the vehicle. This system is called fully electric power steering (EPS).
Components
If you own a car that has power steering, it means that there are some mechanical parts inside the vehicle that make turning and steering easier. The system consists of several components, including a pump, pressure tubes, a rotary control valve, fluid lines, and a hydraulic piston.
In a modern power steering system, the pump provides power steering fluid under pressure to a rack and pinion unit. As you turn the wheel, the pinion turns against the rack, which pushes it in the direction of your desired turn. The system also uses a rotary valve that senses any force applied to the steering wheel and directs the flow of hydraulic fluid accordingly. The rotary valve is controlled by an internal part known as the torsion bar.
A newer type of power steering is electro-hydraulic power steering (EPS). It is a hybrid system that uses electricity to create pressure, instead of drawing it from the engine, and improves fuel economy. It also eliminates the need for a drive pulley and belt, which can help reduce wear and tear on the engine.
Fluids
Power steering fluid plays a huge role in a vehicle’s steering system. It helps reduce the amount of effort required to steer a car by pressurizing the hydraulic fluid that connects the steering wheel and front wheels. The power steering fluid also lubricates the hoses, pistons, and valves in the system to keep them working properly. You should check your owner’s manual to find out what kind of power steering fluid is recommended for your car.
There are two types of power steering systems – hydraulic and electric. Hydraulic systems use a hydraulic fluid to apply pressure on the system, while an electric system uses an electric motor and sensors to determine how much assist needs to be added to a vehicle’s steering wheel.
If you ever notice a dark or brown color in your power steering fluid, it may be time for a replacement. It can be a sign of very old power steering fluid, which can make your steering pump and steering wheel have a hard time working with it.
Troubleshooting
The power steering system is one of the most critical systems in a vehicle. It can be difficult to diagnose, but the good news is that many problems can be fixed quickly and easily if you know what to look for. You can usually identify a power steering problem by its erratic behavior, difficulty turning the wheel or any other issues that make it hard to control your vehicle.
The first thing to check is the level of the fluid in the reservoir. If it’s low, that could be a leak somewhere in the system and should be repaired as soon as possible. Next, inspect the hoses to see if there’s any damage or wear. It’s not uncommon for the rubber hoses that convey hydraulic fluid through your power steering system to become damaged over time. If this is the case, it’s not hard to remove the hose and replace it. But you should be sure to put something in place beneath the hose to catch any fluid that may leak out while doing this.