Can a car have an electric power steering system?
Can a car have an electric power steering system?
These systems can be found on a wide variety of vehicles — from trucks to small cars. Electric power steering has a bright future as autonomous and active safety systems are being engineered to take the wheel. Diagnosing electric power steering systems requires an understanding of voltage, current and loads.
What to do if your power steering is not working?
Turn your hazard lights on to let other drivers know that there’s something wrong with your vehicle. Observe the road for approaching vehicles and carefully turn your steering wheel to direct your car towards the shoulder. This would require you to apply extra force, depending on the damage in your power steering system.
How does a hydraulic power steering system work?
Hydraulic systems use hydraulic pressure from a power steering pump. This pump, which is driven by the engine drive belt, delivers pressurized power steering fluid to the steering gear. Electric power steering systems use a motor instead of a hydraulic pump.
Which is the best way to diagnose a power steering system?
The best approach to diagnose these systems is to look at the inputs, codes and the network through a scan tool even before a physical inspection of the components. You need to look at the data from the sensors to make sure they are not giving erroneous information.
What do you need to know about a power steering system?
Diagnosing electric power steering systems requires an understanding of voltage, current and loads. Also, a technician must understand how the modules and sensors work together to determine the level of assist. Most electric power steering systems use a three-phase electric motor powered by a pulse width modulated DC voltage.
What happens when your power steering stops working?
As a result, the steering wheel will become very difficult to turn. Electric power steering can stop working suddenly and render the vehicle very difficult to drive as well. If there’s a loss of fluid pressure in a hydraulic power steering system, your car will either have limited steering assist or lose steering assist altogether.
What kind of steering does an electric car use?
In the past 20 years, electric power steering has become more common, appearing on many cars, particularly hybrid vehicles, electric cars and vehicles with steering-assist functions, like self-parking and lane keeping. Instead of a hydraulic pump, these use an electric motor to augment driver input.
When to replace the power steering control unit?
If a warning light comes on or you feel that is very difficult to move the steering wheel, the power steering control unit may need to be replaced. The power steering control unit uses electric power assisted steering to support you in driving the vehicle.
