How Does the Power Steering System Work?

[LaAlivia]

Automobile power steering system works as follows: After the driving wheel drives the rotor to rotate, the blades open under the action of centrifugal force and form a working chamber together with the stator, rotor, and oil distribution plate. The high-pressure oil discharged from the pressure plate enters the steering gear through the steering oil pipe to provide steering assistance. Common faults in automobile steering systems are as follows: Abnormal noise during steering: During inspection, you can turn the steering wheel left and right to observe the location of the noise and perform disassembly inspection. Steering gear oil leakage: The upper cover of the steering gear, the side end cover, and the connection of the steering shaft crank arm can be replaced with new oil seals and sealing rings. Difficulty in returning to the original position: Vehicles have the function of automatic steering return. If you need to apply force as when steering during the return process, it indicates a fault in the return function that requires repair.

[VonLilah]

As a car enthusiast, I always enjoy figuring out how power steering systems work! There are basically two mainstream types: hydraulic power steering relies on an engine-driven pump to pressurize hydraulic fluid into the power cylinder, which helps push the steering mechanism and reduces your effort; electric power steering (EPS) is more advanced—when you turn the steering wheel, wheel speed sensors and torque sensors detect your input, and the control unit immediately commands the motor to apply assistive force, making the steering rod turn much more effortlessly. The evolution of this technology is fascinating, from the bulky designs in old trucks to the intelligent EPS in modern cars, which offers ultra-fast response and fuel efficiency since it only works when needed, unlike hydraulic systems that constantly consume energy. EPS can also be integrated into autonomous driving features, enhancing safety. I've tested different models, and on long drives, it's so effortless—absolutely worry-free!

[StCecilia]

With years of experience in auto repair, I've found the power steering system's working principle quite straightforward: when you turn the steering wheel, force sensors detect your input, prompting the assist unit to activate—hydraulic systems use oil pumps to drive pistons for assistance, while electric EPS (Electric Power Steering) employs motors to push the steering rack directly, offering quicker and more reliable response. Common issues include fluid leaks causing loss of assistance or sensor failures making the wheel stiff; for diagnosis, I often use pressure gauges on hydraulic systems or scan for trouble codes via OBD. Maintenance-wise, regularly check power steering fluid levels—using substandard oil can damage the pump. Remember, driving with a failed system is hazardous; don't delay repairs. In daily driving, power steering helps drivers avoid fatigue, especially maintaining rock-steady control during high-speed turns.

[VanKatherine]

I just learned to drive recently, and the power steering system is a big helper! It uses sensors to detect the force you apply when turning the steering wheel, then the motor or hydraulic device adds some extra power, making the wheels turn much more easily. Without this system, parking an old car used to make my wrist sore, but now I can turn the wheel effortlessly with just a few twists. My instructor taught me that Electric Power Steering (EPS) is more common nowadays, powered by the car battery—it's so comfortable during traffic jams when you need to steer frequently, saving both effort and time. Young drivers with new cars can't do without it—it's super practical!