Analysis of Automobile Steering System Knowledge

Automobile Steering System: Principles, Types and Common Problems

Mastering the knowledge of steering system makes safe driving easier

As one of the core safety components of automobiles, the steering system not only determines the handling performance of the vehicle, but is also directly related to driving safety. Ruian Miaosha Auto Parts Co., Ltd. analyzes the key knowledge of the steering system for you to help you better understand the steering mechanism of your car.

1. Basic composition and working principle of the steering system

The automobile steering system consists of three parts: steering control mechanism (steering wheel, steering column), steering gear (steering machine) and steering transmission mechanism (tie rod, steering knuckle)36.

When the driver turns the steering wheel, the steering torque is transmitted to the steering gear through the steering column. The steering gear converts the rotational motion into linear motion, pushes or pulls the steering rod, and finally deflects the steering wheel to achieve steering14.

The most commonly used modern car is the rack and pinion steering gear, which has a simple and compact structure and consists of a pinion and a rack that mesh with each other. When the steering shaft drives the pinion to rotate, the rack moves linearly16.

2. Three types of power steering systems

Mechanical hydraulic power steering (HPS): The engine drives the hydraulic pump to generate oil pressure to push the piston to assist the steering operation. The advantages are abundant power and clear road feel, but it consumes engine power 48.

Electronic hydraulic power steering (EHPS): Improved on the basis of traditional hydraulic power steering, the oil pump is driven by an electric motor instead of directly driven by the engine, and an electronic control system is added to adjust the power size according to the vehicle speed 18.

Electric power steering (EPS): The current mainstream technology directly provides power assistance through the electric motor. The torque sensor detects the steering wheel torque and direction, and the control unit adjusts the power size according to signals such as vehicle speed 12. The system has a simple structure, low energy consumption, and also supports advanced functions such as automatic parking.

3. Common faults and maintenance points

Common faults of power steering system include:

Heavy steering: may be caused by insufficient power oil, air in the system, oil circuit blockage or loose belt3

Abnormal noise: often caused by internal dirt in the system, insufficient oil or wear of components3

Oil leakage: often occurs at the connection of oil pipes or aging parts of seals3

Daily maintenance suggestions: Regularly check the power oil level and oil quality, pay attention to whether there is abnormal noise or leakage in the steering system, avoid turning the steering wheel for a long time, and maintain normal tire pressure35.

With the development of technology, advanced technologies such as variable transmission ratio steering and four-wheel steering system are gradually applied, and low-speed flexible and high-speed stable steering characteristics are achieved through electronic control7.

Understanding the structure and principle of the steering system will help to discover potential faults in time and ensure driving safety. Ruian Miaosha Auto Parts Co., Ltd. provides you with high-quality steering system parts and professional technical support to accompany you on every journey safely.