Generally, power steering is a system that reduces the effort you need to turn a steering wheel. Without it, the steering would be heavy and challenging to handle, especially when making low-speed maneuvers like parking your vehicle or negotiating tight turns.
The present-day power assist systems not only enable drivers to steer vehicles comfortably with less effort but also come with a faster steering response. In this article, Panama City Toyota takes you through everything you need to know about power steering systems. We are a leading dealer in new and pre-owned Toyota vehicles in Panama City Beach. We also sell genuine Toyota parts and provide quality auto maintenance and financial assistance services.
How Does Power Steering Work?
Image via Unsplash by tinatelep
To help you better understand how power steering works, let’s first examine how a standard steering system operates. The steering wheel is connected to the front wheels by a steering column, pinion gear, and a notched metal bar called a rack. When you turn the steering wheel, it rotates the pinion gear, which then moves the rack to the left or right. It’s the rack’s movement that causes the front wheels to change direction.
Types Of Power Steering Systems
There are two main types of power steering systems and a third one that’s a hybrid of both of them:
Hydraulic Power Steering System
The hydraulic power steering system uses pressurized hydraulic fluid to produce extra power for easy steering, better control, and safer maneuverability. It works similarly to a standard rack and pinion system, except that it has a few additional features:
- Steering fluid reservoir: As the name suggests, it holds and supplies the steering fluid to the steering pump via a set of rubber hose pipes.
- Steering pump: It’s connected to the engine through a belt that turns a loop whenever the car’s engine is on. The belt then turns the pump, pulls the steering fluid from the reservoir, and pressurizes it.
- Rotary valve: Once the high-pressure steering fluid leaves the pump, it travels through the steering hoses into the rotary valve in the steering rack. If the steering wheel hasn’t changed direction, the valve redirects the fluid to the steering pump. If you have turned the steering wheel, the valve directs the steering fluid into the rack’s hydraulic chamber via the fluid lines.
- Hydraulic chamber: It has a hydraulic piston that separates it into two equal portions. The two sub-chambers receive different amounts of the hydraulic fluid depending on the direction to which you’ve turned the steering wheel. If you’ve rotated the steering wheel to the right, for example, the right chamber will receive more fluid. This will create a pressure differential between the portions, forcing the piston to move to the left and the steering rack and front wheels to the right.
Electric Power-Assist System (EPAS)
EPAS uses an electric motor mounted on the steering column or directly on the rack to provide steering assistance. The motor, which draws energy from the vehicle’s engine system, has sensors that detect the torque or effort you apply on the steering wheel. It also has a computer system that augments the steering effort based on the car’s speed. When the vehicle is moving fast, the effort amps up to give you better control. At slow speeds, such as when parking or making a tight turn, the steering becomes easy and light for better maneuverability.
Hybrid/Electro-Hydraulic System
The hybrid functions pretty much like the hydraulic system. The only difference is that instead of using an engine-powered pump to create hydraulic pressure, it uses an electric motor. While this eliminates energy wastage and frequent belt changes, it doesn’t come with some benefits like automated parking and lane-keep assists found in EPAS.
How To Flush The Power Steering System
Check your car’s manual for how frequently you should do the flush. If you aren’t sure, dip the rod in the reservoir and wipe it on a white cloth. If it’s too dark and smells burnt, use the procedure below to flush the system:
1. Place jacks on both sides of the vehicle and lift the front part.
2. Use a turkey baster to siphon the steering fluid from the reservoir.
3. Tilt the steering wheel to the left and right to redirect any remaining steering fluid to the reservoir and repeat the second step.
4. Identify and disconnect the low-pressure return hose and drain it of any fluid.
5. Fill the reservoir halfway with fresh steering fluid.
6. Tilt the steering wheel to the left and right again, and monitor the fluid coming out of the lines. If it’s as clean as the one in the reservoir, you’ve properly flushed the system.
7. Reconnect the return hose, refill the reservoir, and drive the vehicle to test the steering wheel.
Common Power Steering Problems
Here are some issues you might experience with a power steering system:
- Worn-out belt: The greatest challenge with the hydraulic system is that the belt needs frequent replacement since it gets worn out quickly. That’s because it’s always turning as much as the engine is running.
- Leaking power steering fluid: The fluid reservoir may crack or break due to wear and tear, causing the steering fluid to leak. This will limit the pressure generated by the pump, hence reducing maneuverability. You can easily spot leakages under your vehicle. If unattended, this can make the steering impossible or even burn out the pump.
- Slipped belt: The drive belt may occasionally slip, preventing the vehicle from turning. You can also identify a slipped belt when you hear a squealing sound whenever you try to negotiate a bend.
Power Steering System FAQs
Image via Unsplash by jessicamaephotographyga
1. What’s the cost of replacing a power steering system?
The cost varies from one type of car to another and averages between $200 to $450.
2. Can I drive with a damaged power steering system?
Yes, but this can burn out the steering pump.
3. What should I do if my power steering system fails on the highway?
Manually maneuver to a safe place and stop as soon as you can.
There you have it — that’s how a power steering system works. Whenever you feel that your car has a steering issue, you should take it for expert inspection as soon as possible. You can avoid most of these problems by taking the vehicle for routine maintenance services.
Did you find this article helpful? Let us know if we missed anything in the comment box below. You can also contact us for further details or inquiries on new and used Toyotas, spare parts, and maintenance services.
