What are Electric Power Steering and its Types?

Electric Power Steering or EPS System is a system that provides smooth steering effort using an electric motor attached to the steering mechanism of the vehicle. EPS is the latest steering system without any common hydraulic power-assisted parts.

It is an important technology for our day-to-day automated driving cars/vehicles, that is auto-pilot mode. The EPS system is more efficient and performs well to the point.

How Electric Power Steering Works?

Simply, Electric Power Steering works with the help of Electric motors and the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) which had sensors in it. The motor runs on a battery and uses electrical power to identify the movement of steering when the driver rotates the wheel.

EPS System is removed by hydraulic and pressurized fluid from the system. Doesn't matter which type of system you are using, power steering works on the steering gear when the driver moves the wheel. If not understood now, the below list can help you:

• When the driver puts input through the steering wheel, the sensors attached to the steering column reads the input and forward them to the vehicle's ECU.

• The ECU analyses the inputs and gives a signal to the electric motor placed at the end of the steering column.

• The voltage signals sent by ECU to the motor drive the battery of the vehicle and send special torque according to the received voltage signals.

• Then motor rotates the steering gear with an applied force which decreases the torque needed from the driver.

Here, the technology is fully electronic, hence using an electric motor placed on the steering gear or rack to produce direct assistance. These sensors are used to fetch what amount of steering force is required and then applied so that the driver has to apply a minimum effort to turn the wheel. This technology is expensive and tends to be used in luxury and sports cars only.

Can I convert Hydraulic to Electric Power Steering?

Reasons why to Convert to EPS:-

We know that EPS System helps the driver for turning the steering wheel, this programming controlling the motor has improved over few years. But not only this,

• Nowadays, EPS gives linear steering at all speeds.

• No worries about fluid leakage, broken steering pumps, damaged drive belts, and bloated hoses.

• Hydraulic Systems may fail so, EPS helps you save repair costs.

Best Conversion for the EPS System:-

New parts for conversion of electric power steering are available at various secondary suppliers from where you can choose your great range too. By changing the steering parts, the engine chamber looks neat and clean. It is workable because the pipes and power steering pump have rotation. The EPS system works well with ford designed vehicles.

Elements required for conversion of EPS System:-

The components include:-

• Electric Power Steering control module.

• Permanent Magnet Motor.

• Torque Sensor.

• Wiring Harness.

One can change the existing steering column to accept the kit based on its width because most kits use the car's original steering wheel, you can't see the change from the cabin. The kit fits behind the instrument cluster and a 12-volt power source battery runs the system.

Many alternate devices rely on the torque generated by the steering wheel. Others may find wheel speed and traction control input as the default setting on EPS devices. A light pop-up on the dashboard in the case of a problem. The car is perfect to use, however, the power assist is off, and the driver must steer harder.

The EPS kit is flexible with vehicles that do not have hydraulic power steering. In many cases, this update will improve steering performance. The cost of an aftermarket steering column range from $300 to $1300. A convertible or telescopic steering column varies depending on the model.

Aftermarket Conversion Kits:-

The aftermarket conversion kits require 2 cords to work smoothly depending on the available motor system. The 2 cords are-

• Steering sensors.

• Two wires for power and floor.

If the speed sensor is not connected to the module the units revert to safe mode. The steering effort is minimum even in bad conditions. Many conversion kits have entirely new components while others have modified parts. The products are cheap and give a quick shaping effect when implemented.

As speed increases the amount of power available decreases. The operator has more control and influence with electric assistance. Additionally, it increases fuel efficiency and provides more power to the wheels.

Duration and Labor:-

Replacing electric power steering requires a significant investment in materials and equipment. Although, the EPS unit is worth the money if you want to retain your car for a long time and drive extensively.

• An engine to drive the traction control pump.

People had done many experiments on the electrical control systems in newly released vehicles. The best answer is to complete proper control.

• Directing gear box or rack.

Although these cars lack hand-steering finding a rack or gearbox does not require power through pressure. One of the biggest problems is replacing a PS car to find the manual gear from different systems and the compressor will not provide any power assistance when you need the most, like while slowing down a car.

• Installing EPS without replacing the entire system.

The electric motor can be installed without replacing the entire system. To accomplish this, turn off as many devices as possible and connect the hydraulic system connectors to the part of the pipe. Installation should be performed after filling the gearbox with the proper system oil for oil conservation.

• Rotating the front wheel using less effort.

The manual system has less range, which means rotating the front wheels requires less effort but more wheel bending, because powered steering gears have a significant proportion and need more electricity but not much as the motor dies. You need to be careful not to damage the wheels or other parts close to the wheels.

Difference between Hydraulic and Electric Power Steering:-

Hydraulic Power Steering is an ancient technology that has been used for decades and has improved over time. Earlier, there is no difference in steering response and the speed of the car but the new era of hydraulic power steering is sensitive and works better than old hydraulic power steering.

Electric Power Steering is a new technology with a less complex build and mechanism requires less space and is durable. The electric motor uses sensors to sense the speed of the vehicle and will take care of different control responses required for different speeds.

Some of the important differences are:-

• Hydraulic Power Steering is complicated as compared to Electric Power Steering.

• The HPS system weighs more than the EPS system.

• The HPS system uses hydraulic fluids for operation but in the EPS system there is no such fluid.EPS system needs less maintenance than the HPS system.

• EPS system gives better response at different speeds as compared to the HPS system.

• The EPS system is less prone to problems and faults and is long-lasting as compared to an HPS system.

• HPS system extracts power from the engine, so it reduces fuel mileage but the EPS system consumes power from the battery which is charged by the engine, and consumes less power as compared to the HPS system. Hence, the EPS system gives more mileage than the HPS system.

What are the advantages of Electric Power Steering?

• These are smooth and accurate.

• These are more efficient compared to the old ones.

• The components are lightweight and compact. It is customizable.

• The engine feels more powerful.

• Features like lane-keep assist, automated parking and lane changes are able to guide the car.

What are the disadvantages of Electric Power Steering?

• These cannot be fixed with standard parts and labor like Hydraulic Power Steering systems.

• Require special equipment and knowledge to repair.

• The repair cost is more than the HPS system.

What are the Problems with the Electric Power Steering system?

Though a driver's hand is on the steering wheel all the time, EPS system problems can come to attention quickly. Some symptoms are listed below:-

• Bad vehicle response while steering.

• Noises while steering.Stiff steering wheel.

• More effort to turn than usual.

Last Words:-

EPS is better than HPS because manual steering needs a lot of energy in running the car, this system uses a lot of fuel as compared to EPS. EPS system has many benefits like low cost, less workload, etc. 

Frequently Asked Questions:-

• What are the types of Electric Power Steering?

Basically, Electric Power Steering is a type of power steering.

• Can you drive a car with a faulty EPS system?

It would be technically possible to drive the car with a failing EPS system, but it would not be safe.  

• Does EPS need fluid?

Since the EPS system does not use fluid to provide steering assistance, there is no fluid level to check. 

• Can I drive with the EPS light on?

As long as you are not bothered by any unpleasant sensations and feel that you can drive your car safely.

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