Power-assisted steering provides extra power when turning the wheel. It works through a hydraulic system, where a pump, running of a belt from the engine, creates hydraulic fluid pressure. This fluid pressure moves a piston inside a cylinder, which applies force to the gears on the rack-and-pinion steering system. When the driver turns the steering wheel, this opens valves in the cylinder, letting fluid pass into it, moving the piston and creating added force. However, hydraulic-assisted steering creates extra drag on the engine due to that pump, meaning engine efficiency (and therefore MPG) is reduced. To combat this, manufacturers have now developed electric power-assisted steering (EPAS). This works by an electric motor mounted on the steering rack forcing the steering round, working independently of the engine, thus improving fuel economy.
Answers
Abhinav
Power-assisted steering provides extra power when turning the wheel. It works through a hydraulic system, where a pump, running of a belt from the engine, creates hydraulic fluid pressure. This fluid pressure moves a piston inside a cylinder, which applies force to the gears on the rack-and-pinion steering system. When the driver turns the steering wheel, this opens valves in the cylinder, letting fluid pass into it, moving the piston and creating added force. However, hydraulic-assisted steering creates extra drag on the engine due to that pump, meaning engine efficiency (and therefore MPG) is reduced. To combat this, manufacturers have now developed electric power-assisted steering (EPAS). This works by an electric motor mounted on the steering rack forcing the steering round, working independently of the engine, thus improving fuel economy.