All modern vehicles have a power steering system that helps the driver turn the vehicle’s front wheels. Without power steering, the driver will be exclusively responsible for moving the steering linkage and the front wheels, which weigh a lot. This can be especially difficult when the vehicle isn’t moving since the front wheels grip the pavement.
The simple act of turning the steering wheel without power steering can fatigue the driver on long drives. Aside from improving the driver’s quality of life, power steering systems make driving safer by improving the vehicle’s responsiveness in emergency situations.
Modern vehicles use two different types of power steering systems: electric and hydraulic. Both operate differently and have unique driving characteristics. However, no steering system is perfect. Each has its pros and cons.
How does electric power steering work? Electric power steering (EPS), as the name suggests, relies on electricity to assist the driver in steering the vehicle. EPS uses an electric motor to provide the necessary steering assistance without relying on hydraulic fluid.
When comparing electric power steering vs. hydraulic, one of the primary benefits of electric steering is that it’s more efficient. EPS systems only consume electrical power when assistance is required. Hydraulic power steering (HPS) systems are hooked up to the vehicle’s serpentine belt. This means that HPS constantly draws power from the combustion chamber.
EPS systems don’t require hydraulic fluid and also have fewer components. As a result, EPS is much easier to maintain since you don’t have to periodically replace steering fluid or check for leaks.
With EPS systems, automatic trailer backing and parallel parking are possible, since the vehicle electronics systems can control the steering. Hydraulic power steering must have driver input.
Vehicle enthusiasts have long been vocal about disliking electric steering systems because of their total lack of feedback. What is feedback? When a vehicle drives over a bump, the steering wheel usually communicates this bump to the driver through some movement.
This is important for drivers who drive their sports car around a track where a good steering feel is important, as a good steering feel offers a more connected driving experience. A good steering system will be able to communicate to the driver when the front wheels are beginning to lose grip around a corner. Electric steering systems can give drivers a less engaging experience since they won’t feel any feedback from the steering wheel.
Electric steering is also reliant on the vehicle’s electrical system. So if the electrical system fails or has a malfunction, then you’ll lose steering assistance, making steering more challenging.
Compared to EPS, hydraulic power steering (HPS) is more complicated because it uses several mechanical parts, which include a piston, pump, control valves, and steering fluid. A pump that’s connected to the engine’s serpentine belt constantly supplies fluid pressure to the system. The system multiplies steering force and assists the driver by forcing fluid through a piston using a pump. Control valves determine the amount of fluid that’s directed to the piston. As the steering wheel is turned, the control valves direct a certain amount of fluid to the piston, assisting the driver.
Since the pump is connected to the engine, the driver will generally receive more assistance when the engine is under load. Hence, the driver will generally find it easier to turn the wheel when the vehicle is going up a hill or traveling at high speeds.
Road feedback and driver connection: HPS systems are known to provide better road feedback and a stronger connection between the driver and the vehicle. This is why hydraulic power steering systems are associated with having a more engaging and responsive driving experience.
Despite having several complex components, hydraulic steering systems are quite durable since they’re designed to withstand rigorous everyday use. Unlike EPS, they’re also less susceptible to electrical malfunctions.
HPS systems continuously draw power from the engine, which leads to reduced fuel efficiency compared to EPS. HPS reduces a vehicle’s fuel economy rating by as much as one mile per gallon. HPS also requires periodic maintenance, including fluid checks and replacements. Over time, this can add to the cost of vehicle ownership. Power steering has a pump, hoses, and a reservoir with a screen that can clog. The pump is belt-driven with a pulley and there are potential issues with these.
Since the 2000s, most cars have been fitted with EPS systems because of their associated benefits. These include the fact that they’re less complex, lighter, and more efficient. EPS systems also have lower maintenance and repair costs because they don’t rely on hydraulic components requiring regular fluid changes. The only drawback associated with EPS is that it gives the drivers less road feedback. Hence, many vehicle critics have often criticized sports cars equipped with electric steering.
However, modern electric steering has been improving. Vehicle critics and owners have been noticing that the electric steering systems in sports cars like the Mazda MX-5, Honda Civic Type-R, and Porsche 911 are equally engaging as hydraulic steering. There are even some critics who find electric steering more engaging and prefer them over their hydraulic counterparts.
As technology advances, electric steering systems might make HPS outdated. Some modern sports cars have already managed to bridge the gap, providing a level of engagement and feedback that even betters hydraulic steering systems.
As more vehicles are equipped with responsive electric steering like the ones in modern sports cars, EPS might not be associated with an unengaging driving experience anymore. However, the question will remain relevant if you’re checking out older vehicles. Overall, your decision will depend on whether you value good steering wheel feedback.
If there’s one thing you should never ignore as a responsible car owner, it’s a faulty power steering system. For example, a defective power steering pump can make your vehicle hard to steer, which can increase your risk of getting into an accident. It’s best to avoid driving your vehicle until you replace defective parts in your power steering system. Luckily, getting replacement power steering parts is fast and easy with CarParts.com.
CarParts.com offers a wide selection of serpentine belts, power steering pumps, and other power steering parts, all sourced from the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. Easily browse through all available parts with the help of our vehicle selector and search filters. If you’re itching to get back on the road, you’ll be pleased to know that CarParts.com also guarantees fast shipping. Order by 12 p.m. ET, and you can expect your package to arrive in as fast as two business days.
Don’t wait until your power steering system completely fails before replacing defective parts. Check out our selection of high-quality serpentine belts, power steering pumps, power steering control valves, and more at CarParts.com today!
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