Umair Gaines
Electric power steering (EPS) is a new technology that has replaced traditional hydraulic power steering in many modern cars. Electric power steering uses an electric motor to assist with steering, while hydraulic power steering relies on a hydraulic system powered by a pump. One of the main advantages of electric power steering is its energy efficiency, as it only draws power when needed, improving fuel economy. However, hydraulic power steering has its benefits too, as it has been refined over decades of development and provides a better feel for the road.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steering feel | Hydraulic steering provides a better steering feel |
| Safety | Electric steering is safer as steering fluid is flammable and dangerous in a crash |
| Fuel efficiency | Electric steering is more fuel-efficient |
| Maintenance | Electric steering is less complex and easier to maintain |
| Cost | Electric steering is potentially less costly to maintain |
| Driver assistance | Electric steering can be integrated with advanced driver assistance systems |
| Handling | Electric steering provides better handling at low speeds |
| Customisability | Electric steering allows for a customisable driving experience |
| Vehicle performance | Hydraulic steering may impact overall vehicle performance |
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What You'll Learn
Hydraulic steering provides better 'feel' and feedback
Hydraulic steering systems have been around for decades, and engineers have refined the technology over the years. The hydraulic pump is always active, which means that forces acting on the wheels are always transferred back to the steering wheel as "feel". This gives the driver a better sense of control over the vehicle.
On the other hand, electrically assisted power steering (EPS) is a newer technology that has replaced hydraulic assist with a computer-controlled electric motor. While EPS systems are more energy-efficient and offer improved fuel efficiency, they are often criticised for lacking "feel" and being poorly tuned.
The steering gear's internal cavity in a hydraulic steering system is divided into two chambers by a sealed piston attached to the rack. Applying pressurised hydraulic fluid to one side of the piston while allowing fluid to return from the other side to a reservoir provides steering assistance. This mechanism allows for a more direct connection between the steering wheel and the road, resulting in better feedback for the driver.
In an EPS system, the electric motor is mounted to the side of the rack housing and drives a ball-screw mechanism via a toothed rubber belt. While this setup offers improved manoeuvrability and customisability, it can sometimes feel numb and disconnected, as some drivers have noted.
Overall, hydraulic steering systems provide a more direct and responsive steering feel, giving drivers a better sense of the road and the vehicle's performance.
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Hydraulic steering systems have been refined over decades
Hydraulic power steering systems incorporate a closed-loop that features pressurised fluids, a hydraulic belt-driven pump, valves, and a cylinder. The pump supplies pressure and is driven by a belt connected to the engine. The pump speed is therefore tied to the engine speed. At low speeds, the wheels will turn more slowly, while at high speeds, the vehicle will be more responsive.
The steering gear's internal cavity is divided into two chambers by a sealed piston attached to the rack. Applying pressurised hydraulic fluid to one side of the piston while allowing fluid to return from the other side to a reservoir provides steering assistance. This process also helps to maintain responsiveness and ensure that the steering ratio remains consistent.
While hydraulic steering systems have been refined over the years, they are not without their drawbacks. Cars with hydraulic systems may experience fluid leaks, and the hydraulic pump is always active, which can impact overall vehicle performance. Additionally, hydraulic steering fluid is flammable and can be dangerous in a crash.
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Electric steering is more fuel-efficient
Electric power steering is more fuel-efficient than hydraulic power steering. Electric power steering systems eliminate the need for a hydraulic pump, which improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions. Electric power steering draws power only when needed, resulting in better fuel economy. In contrast, hydraulic power steering systems run continuously, which can be less efficient and may impact overall vehicle performance.
The increased fuel efficiency of electric power steering is particularly beneficial for eco-conscious drivers aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. Electric steering systems also offer enhanced manoeuvrability and customisable driving experiences, making it easier to navigate tight spaces and respond quickly to road conditions.
The electric power steering system utilises an electric motor to assist with steering, while hydraulic power steering relies on a hydraulic system powered by a pump. Electric power steering, also known as electrically assisted power steering or EPAS (electric power-assisted steering), has sensors that detect the required amount of steering lock and then send a signal to the electric motors to assist with handling at low speeds.
While hydraulic power steering has been the standard feature in most cars for decades, electric power steering is a more recent development. Carmakers are increasingly adopting electric steering systems due to their improved fuel efficiency and simplified maintenance.
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Hydraulic steering is simpler to maintain and repair
Hydraulic steering systems are generally simpler to maintain and repair than electric steering systems. This is because hydraulic systems have been around for decades, giving engineers ample time to refine the technology and for mechanics to gain expertise in repairing them. In contrast, electric steering is a relatively new technology, and many people are still unsure about its reliability.
Hydraulic steering systems are also less complex than electric systems, making them easier to repair. Hydraulic steering relies on a hydraulic pump and a series of belts, seals, and hoses to function, while electric steering uses a more simplified electric motor. As a result, hydraulic steering repairs may be more straightforward, as individual components can be replaced as needed.
The hydraulic pump and associated components are designed to be durable and long-lasting. The pump is driven by a belt connected to the engine, and its speed is tied to the engine speed. This allows for precise control over the steering, as the pump supplies pressure accordingly. At low speeds, the wheels turn more slowly, while at high speeds, the vehicle is more responsive.
In contrast, electric steering systems utilise an electric motor to assist with steering. These motors are typically bolted directly to the rack or integrated into the steering column. While this setup can improve fuel efficiency and manoeuvrability, it may also require more specialised knowledge and tools to repair.
Additionally, hydraulic steering systems can be more resilient in the event of a crash. Electric steering systems use flammable steering fluid, which can be extremely dangerous if the vehicle is involved in a collision. Hydraulic steering fluid, on the other hand, is not flammable and poses less of a safety risk.
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Electric steering is safer
One of the main advantages of electric power steering is safety. Electric power steering systems can be integrated with advanced driver-assistance systems, such as lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, for improved safety. Electric steering systems offer enhanced manoeuvrability, making it easier to navigate tight spaces and respond quickly to road conditions. Electric power steering systems are also typically less complex than hydraulic systems, making maintenance and repairs easier and potentially less costly.
Hydraulic power steering systems have been known to experience fluid leaks, which can be dangerous if the fluid is flammable. In addition, hydraulic systems run continuously, which can be less efficient and may impact overall vehicle performance. Electric power steering, on the other hand, only draws power when needed, leading to better fuel economy.
The steering gear's internal cavity in a hydraulic steering system is divided into two chambers by a sealed piston attached to the rack. Applying pressurized hydraulic fluid to one side of the piston while allowing fluid to return from the other side to a reservoir provides steering assistance. This process of providing steering assistance presents an engineering challenge: how to maintain responsiveness while ensuring that the steering ratio remains consistent so that the car does not careen off the road when trying to let people pass or make minor directional adjustments at speed.
Electric power steering, also known as electrically assisted power steering or EPAS (electric power-assisted steering), utilises electric motors to aid handling at low speeds. These motors add extra lateral force through rotational power, improving energy transfer and providing a light and responsive steering feel. The most advanced EPAS systems allow total freedom of customisation, providing a genuinely individual handling and steering setup.
While some people prefer the ["feel" of hydraulic steering systems], electric steering systems have been found to be safer and more efficient.
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Frequently asked questions
Steering fluid is flammable and extremely dangerous in a crash.
Hydraulic steering gives a better handling feel and is preferred by motoring purists.
Hydraulic steering systems have been around for decades and engineers have now had years to refine the technology.
Electric steering systems are typically less complex than hydraulic systems, making maintenance and repairs easier and potentially less costly.
Hydraulic steering systems run continuously, which can be more efficient and may positively impact overall vehicle performance.
