Power steering system in cars - Explore all facts

If you compare today's cars with the cars manufactured a decade ago, automotive technology has come a long way. Nowadays, cars are way easier and safer to drive than they were ten years ago. The credit goes to the advanced features in new-age vehicles that improve their safety, convenience, and overall driving experience. 

One of the most impressive advancements in cars today is power steering. They have made steering so much easier than it used to be with manual steering. Today, we will help you understand the different types and working of power steering. So, let’s dive right in!

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 to turn 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, 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 a car. The driver applies the twisting force on the steering wheel in order 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. 

Difference between power steering and manual steering

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

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-drive 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 to 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 working 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 with a hydraulic system except for the serpentine belt. Instead of the serpentine belt, this system uses an electric motor for steering assistance.

What are the advantages of power steering?

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. 

Electric power steering vs hydraulic power steering

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

Also, read: How do electric cars work?

Cars in India with power steering feature

These days, power steering in cars is pretty common. However, most power steering cars contain an electric steering system. While there are many options, some popular car choices with power steering are mentioned below.

Hatchbacks having power steering feature in India

Below are some of the hatchbacks that have the power steering feature in India.

Sedans having power steering feature in India

Here are a few of the sedans you can buy with a power steering system in India.

SUVs having power steering feature in India

These are a few of the SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) that come with a power steering system in India.

As clear from the above lists, power steering in cars is pretty common nowadays. Hence, you can find this feature in almost all segments of cars. 

Frequently asked questions

Below are the most common questions answered related to power steering in cars.

Can I drive a car without power steering?

You can choose to drive your car without power steering, but you should avoid that as much as possible. Manual steering puts pressure on the car by increasing the heat and friction. As a result, you put your car at risk of serious damage by driving without power steering. Moreover, driving without power steering can be tiring for you.

How would I know if my power steering is not working fine?

The role of power steering in cars is to make steering easier for you, especially while driving at lower speeds. So, if a power steering system gets damaged, you will find a noticeable increase in the force required to steer the vehicle. Moreover, you can keep an eye on strange noises or any leakage from the steering system.

Do all cars come with power steering?

Most cars nowadays feature a power steering system due to its advantages to the driver and cars alike.

Are there any disadvantages of power steering?

Cars with power steering cost more than cars with manual steering. Also, fluid leakage can be a problem in hydraulic power steering, causing inefficiency in the steering system.

Is it better to have electric power steering over hydraulic power steering?

There are many advantages of electric power steering over hydraulic. It doesn’t require fluid or oil, which removes the problem of leakage. The electric steering system requires way less power from the engine than a hydraulic system, reducing the pressure on the engine. 

Moreover, electric power steering comes with a sensor that detects the precise amount of assistance required while turning the wheel. All these reasons make electric power steering systems more popular in vehicles nowadays.

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