Power Steering System in Cars: What Is It and How Does It Work?

Published on 7 Mar, 2022, 10:28 AM IST

Updated on 29 May, 2025, 8:14 AM IST

Team Ackodrive

9 min read

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Compared to cars from a decade ago, today’s vehicles are safer and easier to drive, thanks to major advancements in automotive technology. Features like power steering have greatly improved convenience and control. It is a system that helps you steer with less effort, especially at low speeds or while parking, making driving smoother and more comfortable.

One of the most impressive advancements in modern vehicles is power steering. It has made car steering significantly more effortless compared to the old manual systems. In this guide, we’ll help you understand the different types of power steering and how they work. So, let’s dive in!

Contents

What is a Power Steering System?

In simple words, the power steering system reduces the strength required to turn the steering wheel. A driver doesn’t have to put too much effort into turning the wheels while driving. Before the inclusion of power steering, driving a car used to require too much arm strength while steering.

Working of a Power Steering Mechanism

A power steering system contains a steering wheel, a steering column, a universal joint, a rack, and a pinion. The steering wheel connects to the steering column, which stays attached to the pinion and rack through a universal joint. The other end of the rack remains attached to the wheel assembly through the tie rods.

The steering wheel is the contact point between the driver and the car. The driver applies the twisting force on the steering wheel to rotate it.

But, how does power steering in cars work from the inside? A power steering mechanism works in the following steps.

Step 1: The input given by the driver to the steering wheel rotates the steering column.

Step 2: The motion then transfers from the steering column to the pinion and rack through the universal joint.

Step 3: The pinion and rack contain two gears and turn the car wheels in the desired direction.

What Are The Advantages of Power Steering?

The following are the benefits of power steering in cars.

It doesn’t allow the wheels to transfer resistance to the steering column.
It makes steering easier and less tiring for the driver.
Power steering in cars helps to adjust the steering speed based on road conditions.

Among the three major power steering systems, the electric one is considered the most effective. It is the reason why almost all cars nowadays come with an electric power steering system. Some of the major benefits are mentioned below.

The electric power steering offers enhanced accuracy than a manual or hydraulic steering system.
The electric motor works more efficiently than the pressurised fluid of the hydraulic steering.
An electric steering system comes with several driving modes, allowing the driver to customise the steering input.
It doesn’t require too much energy from the engine, which helps to maintain the engine’s efficiency and life in the long run.

Types of Power Steering

Most modern cars offer power steering as a feature. A power steering system can be of three types, as explained below.

1. Hydraulic Power Steering

Hydraulic power steering was the first type of power steering system introduced in cars. The hydraulic pump supplies pressurised fluid to the steering rack, reducing the strength required to steer the vehicle.

Below are the key factors of how a hydraulic power steering system works.

The hydraulic pump obtains power and direction from an engine-driven part called the serpentine belt.
When the driver applies force to turn the steering wheel, the hydraulic pump sends the high-pressure fluid to the rack from the reservoir.
The fluid is always delivered in the opposite direction of steering. For example, if the driver is turning the car left, the fluid will reach the right-hand piston to reduce the driver’s effort.

2. Electric Power Steering

Today, most of the car models in the market come with an electric power steering system. It is because of the better efficiency that electric steering offers. This type of power steering uses electrical energy to ease the operation of the steering assembly. A bi-directional magnet motor remains permanently attached to the steering gear or the steering column.

Here are the key factors of how an electric power steering system works.

When the driver turns the steering wheel, a sensor detects that movement and turns on the electric motor.
The electric motor gives assistance in the direction where the driver wants to turn the steering wheel.

3. Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering

As the name suggests, an electro-hydraulic power steering system uses the elements of both electric and hydraulic steering systems. The structure matches a hydraulic system except for the serpentine belt. Instead of the serpentine belt, this system uses an electric motor for steering assistance.

Difference Between Power Steering and Manual Steering

Below are the key differences between power steering and manual steering systems.

Power steering	Manual steering
Power steering in cars offers assistance to decrease the manual strength necessary for steering.	A manual steering system requires the driver to provide the entire force alone for steering.
Power steering doesn’t allow the wheel resistance to reach the steering wheel, making steering quicker.	Manual steering is slower as compared to power steering due to the difference in wheel movement resistance.
Power steering helps to absorb shocks on uneven road surfaces.	Manual steering is less effective than power steering in terms of absorbing shocks on uneven surfaces.
Vehicle drivers can easily control the steering wheel.	Vehicle drivers find it difficult to control the manual system of steering as compared to a power steering system.

Electric Power Steering vs Hydraulic Power Steering

If you compare the workings of both kinds of steering systems, the following differences become visible.

Hydraulic power steering is much more complex than an electric power steering system.
A hydraulic power steering system requires more maintenance than an electric system.
The parts used in electric power steering systems require less space and weigh less than hydraulic power steering systems.
An electric power steering system uses sensors to deliver accurate assistance based on the driving conditions. It is not possible with hydraulic power steering.
A hydraulic power steering requires 90% more power from the car’s engine than the electric system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common question and their answer related to Power Steering System in Cars

When was power steering introduced in cars in India?

Power steering started becoming common in Indian cars during the late 1990s and early 2000s, especially in mid-range and premium models. However, it wasn’t until the mid-2000s that power steering began appearing in budget-friendly vehicles and gradually became a standard feature across most car segments.

Can you drive without power steering?

Yes, you can drive a car without power steering, but it requires much more effort, especially at low speeds or while parking. Manual steering demands greater physical strength to turn the wheel and can be tiring in city traffic or tight spaces, making power steering a much more convenient and safer alternative.

Can power steering fail?

Power steering systems can fail due to issues like fluid leaks, worn-out pumps, or electrical faults in the case of electric systems. When power steering fails, the steering becomes heavier and more difficult to control, which can be dangerous, especially during emergencies or at high speeds. It's important to address any warning signs or unusual resistance immediately.

Does steering fluid expire?

Steering fluid doesn't expire in the traditional sense, but it does degrade over time. Contaminants and heat can break down its properties, reducing its effectiveness. Regularly checking and replacing the fluid as per the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule helps ensure smooth and reliable steering performance.

What sensor controls power steering?

Modern power steering systems, especially electric ones, rely on several sensors, with the torque sensor being the most critical. This sensor detects the amount of force the driver applies to the steering wheel and signals the electric motor to provide the appropriate level of assistance, ensuring a smooth driving experience.

What is speed-sensing power steering?

Speed-sensing power steering adjusts the level of steering assistance based on the vehicle’s speed. At lower speeds, it provides more assistance to make manoeuvring easier, such as during parking. At higher speeds, it reduces assistance to offer better control and stability, enhancing overall driving safety.

Electric steering vs power steering – what’s the difference?

Electric steering, also known as Electric Power Steering (EPS), uses an electric motor instead of hydraulic fluid to assist in steering. It’s more energy-efficient, requires less maintenance, and allows for advanced driver-assist features. Traditional power steering, or Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS), relies on hydraulic fluid and is typically heavier, less efficient, and more maintenance-intensive, though it may offer better steering feel in some driving conditions.

Types of steering system - what are the different kinds and how do they work?

There are 4 types of steering systems commonly used in cars: manual steering, hydraulic power steering, electric power steering, and electro-hydraulic steering. Each system functions differently but is designed to make car steering easier and more responsive, depending on the vehicle’s design and driving conditions.

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