Basic Power Steering Operation
Power steering was invented earlier in the century to deal with the excessive weight of
modern vehicles.
Power steering relies on a simple principle- a hydraulic pump running off a belt driven
by the engine places a small amount of fluid under pressure, which in turn assists the
steering mechanism in directing the tires as you turn the steering wheel. The system
typically includes a pump, a pressure hose assembly, a control valve, and a return line.
There are three types of power steering systems used on passenger vehicles. The first
and most popular is known as power rack-and-pinion steering. It utilizes a power unit
built directly into the rack assembly. When the wheel turns, an internal rotary valve
directs the flow of power steering fluid to the proper end of the power cylinder. The
difference in pressure on either side of this cylinder assists in moving the rack, thereby
easing steering. A control valve then returns excess fluid to the main reservoir.
The second system, used mostly on larger vehicles (SUVs and pickup trucks) is called
recirculating-ball steering. In this system, a series of steel balls act as rolling threads
between the steering shaft and the rack piston. The rack piston moves up (right turn)
or down (left turn), assisted by hydraulic pressure. As in the system above, fluid
pressure is regulated by a control valve.
The third is in many of todays newer vehicles. It is Electric Power Assist. There is no
belt driven power steering pump, pressure or return lines or fluid. This system uses an
electric motor, control module, and sensors in the steering column to produce the
power assist. If there is a problem in the system, a warning light will come on the dash
or the Driver Information Center.
modern vehicles.
Power steering relies on a simple principle- a hydraulic pump running off a belt driven
by the engine places a small amount of fluid under pressure, which in turn assists the
steering mechanism in directing the tires as you turn the steering wheel. The system
typically includes a pump, a pressure hose assembly, a control valve, and a return line.
There are three types of power steering systems used on passenger vehicles. The first
and most popular is known as power rack-and-pinion steering. It utilizes a power unit
built directly into the rack assembly. When the wheel turns, an internal rotary valve
directs the flow of power steering fluid to the proper end of the power cylinder. The
difference in pressure on either side of this cylinder assists in moving the rack, thereby
easing steering. A control valve then returns excess fluid to the main reservoir.
The second system, used mostly on larger vehicles (SUVs and pickup trucks) is called
recirculating-ball steering. In this system, a series of steel balls act as rolling threads
between the steering shaft and the rack piston. The rack piston moves up (right turn)
or down (left turn), assisted by hydraulic pressure. As in the system above, fluid
pressure is regulated by a control valve.
The third is in many of todays newer vehicles. It is Electric Power Assist. There is no
belt driven power steering pump, pressure or return lines or fluid. This system uses an
electric motor, control module, and sensors in the steering column to produce the
power assist. If there is a problem in the system, a warning light will come on the dash
or the Driver Information Center.
Clunking Noise in Steering Wheel My 2006 Chevy Malibu
when i turn the steering wheel and when i stop and hit bumps. When
i stop or hit the gas and turn...
when i turn the steering wheel and when i stop and hit bumps. When
i stop or hit the gas and turn...
My 2005 Malibu Power Steering Warning Message
power steering message came up on my dash as my steering
tightened up. After I restarted the car it began working again...
power steering message came up on my dash as my steering
tightened up. After I restarted the car it began working again...
Whine Noise in My 2008 Impala 3.5l v6. Not Power Steering
After letting sit and idle, if you rev a little, the engine whines, and gets
louder. Any suggestions why my Impala is doing this...
After letting sit and idle, if you rev a little, the engine whines, and gets
louder. Any suggestions why my Impala is doing this...
2001 Oldsmobile Aurora Vibration When Driving
air compressor for back shocks come on but still have shaking when i reach up to
50 mph... What do i need to do to correct...
air compressor for back shocks come on but still have shaking when i reach up to
50 mph... What do i need to do to correct...
No Power Steering and ABS, Service Stability System Warning 2007 Torrent
My Torrent has no power steering. It is very stiff. The service stability light is on. Check
engine warning on dash. Many other indicators on as well. This all started after we had
to jump start the battery because my son left the key on...
My Torrent has no power steering. It is very stiff. The service stability light is on. Check
engine warning on dash. Many other indicators on as well. This all started after we had
to jump start the battery because my son left the key on...
Power Steering Fluid leak and Makes Noise 2006 Impala
It is grinding and whining. I checked the fluid and it is low / empty. Where did the fluid...
It is grinding and whining. I checked the fluid and it is low / empty. Where did the fluid...
A few Related Questions
| 12-29-10 A 2005 Chevy Silverado Diesel power steering and breaks are out. Any suggestions on what the problem would be. Have been told that power steering pump is out. Would this cause break failure? And how would this be checked the power steering pump? |
Comments
| This system is called Hydroboost. It uses the power steering pump to power the brake booster and steering. Most likely the shaft in the steering pump broke causing no pressure. Pry the pulley a little to see if it moves outward from the pump body. |
| 4-5-11 2009 Malibu is having whining in the steering while making any type of turn? Can u help? |
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| 2-2-12 why do i have no power steering after replacing the power steering pump on a 1999 Oldsmobile intrigue 3800 series 2 motor. |
| If you replaced it for this reason, then you have another problem, like a bad rack and pinion. If the steering was OK before, then you just have air in the system. |
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