Pros And Cons Of Using Electric Vs Hydraulic Power Steering

Steering System

Power steering in simple terms, reduces the effort required to turn the steering wheel in the vehicle. The steering wheel would feel heavy and difficult to turn without the electric or hydraulic assist from the power steering system of Auto spare parts Dubai. You’ll know that cornering, parking, and maneuvering your car especially at low speeds suddenly becomes a full upper body workout if you’ve ever had the power steering go out in your vehicle.

Hydraulic Vs Electric Power Steering

Found on today’s vehicles there are three types of power steering: a hybrid hydroelectric system, electric and hydraulic steering. Below, we’ll discuss the difference between electric power steering and hydraulic power steering we will discuss below.

To assist the driver, a fully electric power steering (EPS) system uses an electric motor placed either on the steering rack or steering column. Sensors attached to the motor measure how much the driver is applying torque, or rotational effort, to the steering wheel. To decide how much assistance the driver needs to turn the front wheels the sensors then use that information.

In determining how much assistance the EPS provides speed is the greatest factor. You may notice that at low speeds the steering wheel is very easy to turn, to make maneuvering simpler such as during parking. More resistance from the steering wheel provides greater stability at higher speeds.

Hydraulic systems, however, to help drivers turn the wheel use hydraulic fluid powered by a power steering pump. While by the car’s 12-volt (or higher) electrical system an EPS is powered, the power steering pump is driven by the drive belt or another serpentine belt connected to the engine. To create hydraulic pressure on the steering gear the power steering pump uses power steering fluid or pinion that the driver must move to turn the wheels.

 Look into steering systems for a more in-depth look out this article: How Does a Car’s Steering System labor?

Advantages Of Hydraulic Power Steering

For over 50 years hydraulic power steering has been the dominant power steering system. It has benefited from decades of development and fine-tuning because of this tenure. One major advantage proponents of the hydraulic assist method highlight: the ability to feel the road through the steering wheel.

Creates a more seamless driving experience, more feedback from the road, or steering feel, because how the car is handling the driver can better understand. In a way, the road communicates through the steering wheel with the driver, overall safer driving and allowing for more intuitive decisions. For this reason, many drivers of racing cars and high-end sports cars prefer hydraulic assist. It allows them to make faster, while driving at high speeds more informed decisions.

Disadvantages Of Hydraulic Power Steering

Hydraulic power steering does come with a few drawbacks despite being used for so long. First, the use of hydraulic fluid requires hydraulic power, also known as power steering fluid. Power steering fluid can be replaced regularly approximately every five years or 50,000 miles although not required by some vehicle manufacturers. Moreover, at any point you may lose power steering assistance if this fluid leaks below a certain threshold.

Secondly, hydraulic power assist is always on, meaning for the power steering assist to perform the engine has to constantly work. To operate systems that require the engine’s mechanical energy may impact fuel efficiency and gas mileage. Handling hydraulic fluids is messy, and to totally get rid of leaks in a hydraulic system it can be difficult. It may catch fire if hydraulic fluid leaks in hot areas. They can cause serious injuries if hydraulic lines burst. As too much exposure can lead to health issues, take care when handling hydraulic fluids. Some types are less so than others hydraulic fluids are also corrosive.

Lastly, hydraulic power steering systems require more parts than an electric power steering system and are more complex. In this way, in the engine bay they can take up more space.

Advantages Of Electric Power Steering

For most cars electric power steering has become the norm since the early 2000s. This is primarily than its hydraulic counterpart; an EPS system is generally simpler and easier to maintain. Electric systems only draw power when needed, and do not require power steering fluid to work, than hydraulic systems making them more fuel efficient. In most cases, than old-school hydraulic systems electric power steering is a lot lighter to use meaning less muscle is needed to turn the wheel.

What’s more, we’ve come to rely on EPS enabling the modern driver-assist features, such as lane-keep assistance and automatic parking. As we move toward the future of self-driving cars it will also be essential.

Buy Auto spare parts online as  EPS compensates better for wheel misalignment and driving conditions that affect steering compared to hydraulic power steering, such as uneven surfaces and high winds. And since the system is totally electronic, through simple software updates it’s easier to adjust the accuracy of the power assistance.

Disadvantages Of Electric Power Steering

They still have a couple of drawbacks even though electric power steering systems are now standard. Earlier EPS systems initially lacked the steering feel, or feedback unlike traditional hydraulic systems, that helped inform drivers from the road of how their car was handling. Manufacturers have largely corrected this issue these days, making them feel nearly indistinguishable by buying Steering system spare parts in Dubai.

Another disadvantage of electric power steering is that it works like a hydraulic system and cannot easily be fixed with standard parts. To diagnose and repair electrical issues, EPS systems may require specialized equipment and knowledge that may be caused by various sensors or a faulty onboard computer. Repairs on electric power steering units normally cost more than repairing hydraulic units. The system that uses computers, electronic sensors and a small electric engine to replace traditional, hydraulic power steering is a power steering system. While including increased gas mileage and a less labor intensive fix there are numerous advantages to this system, there are also certain disadvantages to electric power steering.