What is a Power Steering Pump?
2 Answers
Power steering pump is the power source of the automobile hydraulic power steering system. The steering pump uses the engine as the transmission medium to convert mechanical energy into hydraulic energy, and the steering gear converts the hydraulic energy into mechanical energy through the hydraulic oil output by the pump. The classification of power steering pumps is as follows: 1. By vehicle type: It can be divided into commercial vehicle steering pumps and passenger car steering pumps. 2. By structural form: It can be divided into vane-type steering pumps, gear-type steering pumps, and plunger-type steering pumps; among them, double-acting vane-type steering pumps are widely used in various vehicle types due to their advantages of small size, low noise, and high volumetric efficiency. 3. By drive form: It can be divided into gear-driven steering pumps, pulley-driven steering pumps, and cross-spline (spline) steering pumps; among them, pulley-driven steering pumps are mainly used in passenger cars with smaller drive torque, while gear-driven and cross-spline types are more common in commercial vehicles.
The power steering pump is a critical component in a car's power steering system. It's the reason why your steering wheel turns effortlessly while driving, as it provides the hydraulic pressure needed to assist. Simply put, it functions like a water pump, driven by the engine via a belt, and delivers power steering fluid to the steering gear, making it easier for the driver to maneuver at low speeds or when parking. If this part fails, steering can become heavy, sometimes accompanied by squeaking noises, and in severe cases, it could even lead to accidents. Common issues include leaks, pump wear, or clogged lines due to dirty fluid, so it's important to regularly check the fluid level and condition. During your bi-annual maintenance, take a quick look—if the fluid is low, top it up with power steering fluid to extend its lifespan. By the way, hydraulic power steering systems are more common in older vehicles, while newer cars might use electric power steering, eliminating the need for a pump. Still, understanding this is useful for any car owner.
