Electric power steering (EPS) is a system that uses an electric motor to assist the driver of a vehicle in steering. The motor is usually powered by the vehicle’s battery. EPS is often used as an alternative to hydraulic power steering, which uses fluid pressure to assist the driver in steering.
How traditional power steering works
Most power steering systems used today are of the hydraulic variety. A typical system consists of a hydraulic pump, a fluid reservoir, a high-pressure hose, and a low-pressure hose. The pump is driven by a belt that is connected to the engine.
The pump forces fluid from the reservoir into the high-pressure hose. The fluid then flows to the rack-and-pinion unit or steering gear. This is the part of the system that actually does the work of turning the wheels.
The fluid pressure in the high-pressure hose helps to move the rack back and forth. As the rack moves, it turns the wheels. The fluid then flows back to the reservoir through the low-pressure hose.
The pressure of the fluid flowing through the system is what provides the power assist to make it easier for you to turn the steering wheel.
How electric power steering works
Most new cars have electric power steering, which means that the power steering pump is powered by an electric motor instead of by the engine. Electric power steering is more efficient than hydraulic power steering, and it also eliminates the need for a power steering belt.
Electric power steering uses a rack-and-pinion gear set to multiply the steering effort of the driver. A rack-and-pinion is a gear set that converts rotational motion into linear motion. In other words, it takes the turning force of the steering wheel and translates it into a side-to-side force that turns the wheels.
The electric motor that powers the rack-and-pinion is mounted on the steering column. When the driver turns the steering wheel, the motor turns a screw drive that moves a nut back and forth on a threaded rod. The nut is connected to the rack-and-pinion, so as the nut moves, the rack-and-pinion moves with it.
The amount of assist provided by electric power steering can be adjusted by changing the voltage that is supplied to the motor. Higher voltages will result in more assist, while lower voltages will result in less assist.
The benefits of electric power steering
Electric power steering (EPS) is a great technological advance that has made driving much more comfortable and safe. It uses an electric motor to assist the driver in turning the steering wheel. EPS is especially beneficial in tight spots and during low-speed maneuvering when greater control is needed, such as when parallel parking.
There are many benefits to EPS over the older hydraulic power steering systems. For example, EPS eliminates the need for a hydraulic pump, which can fail and cause loss of steering control. EPS also uses less energy than hydraulic power steering, so it can improve fuel economy. In addition, EPS provides a smoother, more consistent steering feel, and it is less affected by changes in temperature and road conditions.
The drawbacks of electric power steering
Electric power steering (EPS) is a great addition to any car. It makes driving easier and can even help you save fuel. However, there are some drawbacks to EPS that you should be aware of before you install it in your car.
One of the main drawbacks of EPS is that it can fail without warning. If the power steering system fails, you will lose control of your car. This can be extremely dangerous, especially at high speeds. Additionally, EPS can be very expensive to repair or replace if it fails.
Another downside to EPS is that it can make your car harder to steer in low-speed situations. This is because the power steering assist is not active at low speeds, so you have to steer the car with more effort. This can be annoying when you’re trying to park or maneuver in tight spaces.
Overall, electric power steering is a great addition to any car. Just be aware of the potential drawbacks before you install it in your vehicle.
How to choose the right power steering for your car
When you’re shopping for a new car, you have a lot of important decisions to make. One of those decisions is what type of power steering system you want. There are three main types of power steering: hydraulic, electric, and pneumatic.
Hydraulic power steering is the most common type. It uses fluid pressure to assist the driver in turning the wheel. Electric power steering is becoming more popular because it’s more energy-efficient than hydraulic power steering. Pneumatic power steering is mostly found in commercial vehicles.
Here are some things to consider when choosing the right power steering system for your car:
-How much driving do you do? If you do a lot of city driving, electric power steering might be a good option because it offers good low-speed maneuverability. If you do mostly highway driving, hydraulic power steering might be a better option because it offers better highway stability.
-How important is fuel economy to you? Electric power steering is more energy-efficient than hydraulic power steering, so it can save you money on fuel costs over time.
-What kind of climate do you live in? Hydraulic power steering can be less reliable in cold weather because the fluid can
Conclusion
Electric power steering is a modern automotive technology that provides drivers with increased control and maneuverability while driving. It works by using sensors to detect the driver’s inputs and then applying assistive force to the steering system accordingly. This assists the driver in making turns and maneuvers, and ultimately makes driving more enjoyable overall. If you’re interested in learning more about how electric power steering works, be sure to check out our other articles on the topic. Thanks for reading!