What Are the Types of Steering Oil Pumps?
2 Answers
There are several types of steering oil pumps: 1. Rotor-type steering oil pump: The driving inner rotor and the driven outer rotor are both installed inside the pump housing, with the inner rotor fixed on the driving shaft and the outer rotor free to rotate within the housing; 2. Double-acting vane-type steering oil pump: When the rotor rotates clockwise, the vanes press tightly against the inner surface of the stator under centrifugal force and high-pressure oil, with each working chamber completing two suction and discharge cycles per rotation; 3. External gear-type steering oil pump: The right port serves as the inlet, the left port as the outlet, and the driving and driven gears are integrated with the shaft. The meshing of the gears within the housing, along with the end covers and pump body, forms sealed working volumes, with the meshing point separating the left and right chambers into suction and discharge chambers.
Over the years of driving, I've noticed there are quite a few types of power steering pumps, mainly designed to provide hydraulic pressure for power steering systems, making steering easier. The most common type is the gear pump, which is simple in structure, durable, and low-cost, but a bit noisy during operation; the vane pump is more advanced, pumping oil by vanes sliding inside the rotor, offering high efficiency and quiet operation; then there's the piston pump, often used in high-end models, capable of precisely controlling hydraulic pressure for a smoother experience. I've driven an old car where the pump failed—after the gear pump broke, steering became as heavy as pulling a large stone, but switching to a vane pump made a big difference. When these pumps fail, steering can become stiff or even dangerous, so it's important to regularly check the pump's condition and steering fluid level to avoid trouble. Always ask about the type at the repair shop to ensure it matches your vehicle for safety.
