Electric vs. Hydraulic Power Steering: What’s The Difference?

What Is Power Steering?

Power steering is any type of steering system that assists the driver with turning the wheels. It makes modern vehicles easier to control, as well as more comfortable. If you’ve ever driven a car with manual steering or your power steering has failed, you know how hard it can be to turn the wheel with manual force alone. Power steering is essential for cars with a front engine because the engine block adds weight over the front wheels, making them more challenging to turn.

How Does Hydraulic Power Steering Work?

Hydraulic power steering has been around for quite some time now. These systems have a pump, a cylinder, and a set of valves to control hydraulic fluid through them. The pump supplies pressure and is driven by a belt that connects to the engine. The pump speed is thereby tied to the engine speed. Your wheels will turn more slowly at low speeds, while the vehicle will be more responsive at high speeds.

The control valves return some pressurized hydraulic fluid to the reservoir to prevent a failure. Maintaining responsibility while ensuring that the steering ratio remains consistent. The cylinder applies force directly to the steering rack and rotates the tires when you turn the steering wheel.

How Does Electric Power Steering Work?

Electric power steering has been widely popular since the 1990s and has been a favorite ever since. Electric power steering creates consistent performance under different driving conditions. An electric power steering system relies on an electric motor attached to the steering system. It uses a system of sensors to communicate with the engine control unit, which tweaks the steering settings based on vehicle speed and other factors. 

Which Is Better?

As you can see, these are two very different technologies. Hydraulic power steering has been around for decades and has improved drastically.

Modern hydraulic systems are tuned and provide excellent performance at any speed. Despite all this, hydraulic systems have one key advantage. Because the hydraulic fluid is constantly under pressure, it’s always subtly applying pressure to the steering wheel. As your tires roll over the road, you’ll get better feedback since you can feel the more delicate motions of your wheels. Many drivers value this feedback, which is why it’s worth pointing out.

Electric power steering is a relatively new technology with fewer moving parts and reduced weight. Electrical sensors make these systems capable of adjusting the steering as needed.

Steering and Suspension Service in Naperville

Ensuring your steering and suspension are performing at their best is vital for both the drivability and safety of your vehicle. Over time, suspension components take abuse from the bumps and potholes in the road, and should be inspected regularly to ensure everything is in working order. Trust the team of ASE-certified technicians at Becker Service Center in Naperville, Illinois. Our team has the skills and experience to diagnose the issues in your steering or suspension and repair them with high-quality service and parts!

Call or schedule an appointment with us online today! Our Experienced team will provide you with the premier service you deserve!