How Does the Power Steering System in Cars Work?
3 Answers
The working principle of the power steering system in cars is as follows: After the drive wheel drives the rotor to rotate, the blades expand under centrifugal force and, together with the stator, rotor, and oil distribution plate, form a working chamber. The high-pressure oil discharged by the pressure plate enters the steering gear through the steering oil pipe, providing steering assistance. Common faults in the car steering system include: 1. Abnormal noise during steering: During inspection, turn left and right to observe the source of the noise for disassembly and inspection; 2. Steering gear oil leakage: The upper cover of the steering gear, the side end cover, and the connection of the steering shaft arm can be replaced with new oil seals and sealing rings; 3. Difficulty in returning to the original position: Vehicles have an automatic return function for steering. If it requires the same force as when steering to return, it indicates a malfunction in the return function that needs repair.
I've been driving for over a decade, and there are two common types of power steering: hydraulic and electric. Hydraulic power steering relies on the engine driving a pump to circulate hydraulic fluid; when you turn the steering wheel, the fluid flows to the power cylinder, pushing or pulling the wheels to assist with steering, making it much easier for you. Older cars all use hydraulic systems—as long as the engine is running, the power steering works normally, but the fluid can get dirty and needs regular replacement, and it's prone to overheating in high temperatures. If the pump fails, the steering wheel becomes extremely heavy and hard to turn. The upside is that maintenance is simple, though it's less efficient. Electric power steering is more popular now, using a small motor instead. When you turn the steering wheel, sensors detect insufficient force, and the motor kicks in to help. This system is fuel-efficient and quiet, especially making steering effortless at low speeds like parking, while becoming heavier and more stable at high speeds. Electronic control makes the response more precise, but there's a higher risk of failure if the battery or sensors malfunction. Power steering is essential when driving—without it, turning would be exhausting.
Nowadays, power steering in cars is incredibly smart. Most new vehicles use electric motor assistance—when you turn the wheel, sensors detect insufficient force and instantly send a signal to the control module. The motor quietly adds power, making the steering wheel instantly lighter. Electric power steering is far more advanced than old hydraulic systems, eliminating the need for constant engine-driven oil pumping, which saves fuel and is eco-friendly. I've noticed that the assistance level adjusts automatically based on speed—for example, stronger assistance at low city speeds and reduced assistance on highways for better stability. Though hydraulic systems are classic, they're bulky; if oil leaks or the pump clogs, the assistance fails. From a maintenance perspective, electric systems have fewer failure points and no oil changes, but electrical issues can be tricky to repair. Power steering was originally designed to reduce fatigue and enhance safety, especially helping female drivers maneuver effortlessly when parking. Driving without power steering feels like wrestling a boulder—utterly unbearable.
