How Does Power Steering Work

The work of a power steering depends on the functioning of a number of car parts. The name power steering is derived from the term, 'power assisted steering system'. In this system the engine pumps out a hydraulic fluid, under high pressure to both the sides of the steering. In modern vehicles, this pumping is done by an electro-hydraulic power system, in which an electric motor drives the pumping mechanism, instead of the engine. Electric power systems form an integral part of most of the vehicles plying on the roads today. Then, there is the DIRAVI power steering developed by the French auto maker, Citroen.

How Does Power Steering Work: The Basic System

Although, electric system assistance is introduced in most of the vehicles now, the basic system for power steering developed mechanically, was also an ingenious creation. The working of this system can be understood in three stages, explained as follows.

Power Steering Pump Pulley
The pumps used in this process are attached or connected to the pump casings designed to support the structure. These pumps are nothing but pulley systems, which form a round structure with small grooves on their sides. A runner belt and pulley arrangement is interlocked and work in tandem by power supplied due to the spinning of the crankshaft. This crankshaft is the core of the engine power delivery system for pumps. These pumps consist of rotor mechanism that rotates rapidly, and thus pressurizes the fluid driving the power steering system. Electric pumping is used alternatively, avoiding the use of engine and making the system more fuel efficient.

The power steering fluid is propelled out of the pump by the fast rotating action of the rotor. The pressure regulator ensures that a pressurized fluid reaches the steering mechanism, where it acts as a lubricant and also reduces the heating effect of the system. The power steering mechanism and the gears located in the power steering gear box are operated on the power supplied by the pressurized liquid. The power steering pressure regulator maintains the adequate pressure required for the system.

Power Steering Gear Box
The gear system used for power steering consists of either of two functions, rack and pinion or recirculating ball type, out of which the former is used most commonly. The pinion is connected firmly to the steering shaft, which is nothing but the mechanism attached to the steering wheel. The fluid enters either of the right or left side of the arrangement, as directed by the valves. The pinion is attached to the steering shaft by means of a torsion bar. When the driver turns the steering wheel, there is immediate resistance from the friction of the tire and road contact and also the weight of the car.

The resulting effect changes the position of the valve arrangement, guiding the fluid to the associated end of the cylinder. The alignment change between the valve and the input shaft causes the pressure delivery to the corresponding side. The steering effect is caused due to the movement of a nut, which moves back and forth, due to the turning screw, powered by the pressure system.

Thus, the smooth and comfortable maneuvering of cars is made possible by a power steering system. In order to better understand, how does power steering work exactly, you can visit nearby auto repair shops and get information, by actually seeing the process.