How Does Power Steering Work? Here is the Explanation
Power steering is one of the components in a car, whose working system helps the driver to easily maneuver the vehicle.
Power steering also receives power from the engine to move the car's wheels. For those curious about how power steering works, let's take a look at the explanation in the following review.
Hydraulic Power Steering
Power steering is divided into two types, namely hydraulic power steering and electronic power steering. Hydraulic power steering relies on pressurized fluid to activate the system.
This type of power steering initially receives power from the engine's rotation, transmitted using a component V belt to the vane pump.
The engine's rotation is transmitted through the pulley. Then, the power is transmitted and pushes the fluid to the piston inside the power steering.
Through this power supply, when the steering wheel is turned, the fluid will push the piston so that the steering feels lighter. This is what causes the car's steering to feel light when directed.
Inside the vane pump, there is a relief valve that serves as an acceleration spring. When the car is driven at high speeds, the operation of the power steering will also be under higher pressure.
Such conditions can be very dangerous for all passengers inside the car at high speeds.
To avoid the dangers of driving a car at high speeds, a relief valve is created to protect against speed pressure.
When the car is driven at high speeds, the relief valve will create low pressure in the power steering. This pressure will then push the spring, making the steering feel heavier.
In addition to the vane pump, the main component in hydraulic power steering is the torque spring. The torque spring is located in the steering gearbox within the car's engine.
The torque spring component works as a directional guide from the pressure of the vane pump fluid before being transmitted to the rack piston of the steering.
Read also: Understanding the Working and Advantages of Hydraulic Clutch
Electronic Power Steering
After discussing how it works, it's time to switch to electronic power steering. Along with the advancement of technology, the production of the latest cars no longer uses the hydraulic power steering system.
In its working medium, electronic power steering no longer uses pressurized fluid. This system has switched to using battery current as its power source.
Cars that have adopted the EPS system generally have an angle sensor visible on the steering column of the car.
If the sensor detects movement of the steering wheel, it will send a signal to the ECU. The ECU will instruct the EPS system to work by providing extra power.
The purpose of providing extra power is to make it easier for the driver to turn the steering wheel lightly. The advantage of this power steering operation is to avoid damage.
Read also: Causes of Power Steering Damage in Cars
