The difference between hydraulic and electric power steering, What Are The Advantages and Disadvantages ?. power steering has a very important role in the car. With this feature, carrying a car is guaranteed to be more comfortable than the conventional steer version used in older cars.
The power steering itself functions to assist the driver in turning the wheel through the steering wheel. With the power steering, the steering wheel can be turned more lightly due to the help of lubricants or a motor, so there is no need to spend extra energy to turn the car.
Power Steering was first patented in 1900 by Robert Twyford. In this modern era, power steering has been widely installed in public cars.
This feature has been considered as standard in a car. Based on the type and working mechanism, power steering is divided into hydraulic and electric types. Both are also composed of different components and have their respective advantages and disadvantages.
Difference Between Hydraulic and Electric Power Steering
Each system certainly has advantages and disadvantages of each, you can listen to a complete list of both in the following explanation
Hydraulic Power Steering
As the name implies, this power steering applies a hydraulic work system. The hydraulic work system means using a fluid or liquid, namely oil, as a driving medium. The engine will move the pump to distribute oil to the power steering system.
Along with the times, hydraulic power steering has innovated, namely the installation of speed sensitive steering.
With this innovation, the flexibility of the steering wheel can be adjusted to the speed of the car. The faster the car, the heavier the steering wheel to turn, and vice versa, when the car slows down, the steering wheel will be easier to turn. This can keep the car stable while it is driving.
Hydraulic power steering is the type most widely used in the automotive world, from large trucks to ordinary cars.
Electric Power Steering
Electric Power Steering is a power steering system that utilizes electric current (electric motor) in work. namely an electric motor that is used to help ease the steering system. electronic power steering (EPS) or controlled by wire, is power steering whose work is assisted or even taken over by an electronic / computer unit which is usually called the ECU.
In essence, EPS does not require maintenance (maintenance) which is usually done in Hidroulic Power Steering because everything has been regulated by the Electric System in EPS, but what we can do is maintain its use so that the EPS in the car can last a long service life. For this reason, here are some things that must be considered in order to minimize the damage that occurs, including the following.
When a car crosses a damaged road, don’t go through it at high speed, because it can cause damage to the Steer Rack shaft.Avoid puddles, because it can cause damage to the Electric Motor. 5 years.
See Also : 7 Ways To Maintain Power Steering To Avoid Damage
Advantages and Disadvantages Hydraulic and Electric Power Steering
The Advantages of Electric Powersteering
- The power steering, whose work process is assisted by electric currents, can reduce unnecessary energy consumption of vehicles, thereby saving more fuel.
- Steering rotation is more precise and responsive because the system can adjust the amount of assistance provided and is quiet.
- The electric power steering system is located on the steering rod and the steer gearbox is maintenance free.
- It’s different from conventional power steering which relies on hydraulic pressure where it uses oil as a pump to press so that the steering wheel feels lighter and easier to control.
- The EPS steering system is still connected to the steering wheel via steel bars, so the car is still possible to drive. Even though turning the steering wheel will feel as heavy as steering without power steering.
- EPS not only performs the usual power steering function, but can also control the hydraulic pressure reacting based on the counter-force plunger on the gear box inside the input shaft, hence the characteristics of steering effort vs. Hydraulic pressure varies depending on vehicle speed to provide optimal steering characteristics to match vehicle speed and steering conditions.
Disadvantages of Electric Powersteering
- The steering wheel feels a little heavier than hydraulic powersteering.
- Repair costs are expensive and the process is complicated because you have to dismantle the steering rod first.
- When there is sudden damage on the road, usually the steering wheel will lock, this is very dangerous if the car you are driving is going fast. But don’t worry, because this electrical powersteering damage is very rare.
- If this component is damaged, the replacement cost is enormous.
See Also : 10 Universal Power Steering Fluid Recommendations For Your Car
The advantages of Hydraulic Power Steering
- This type of device is cheaper and easier to maintain, because it only uses oil in the device to work properly.
- Whereas in the hydraulic energy system hydraulic energy channels can be placed in almost any place. In a hydraulic energy system, regardless of the position of the shaft to the power transmission, such as in a mechanical energy system. Hydraulic energy is more flexible in terms of power transmission placement.
- In a hydraulic system, a relatively very small force can be used to move or lift very large loads by changing the cylinder cross-sectional area ratio system. This is due to the ability of hydraulic components at very high pressures and speeds. Small energy-producing components (hydraulic pumps) can provide very large amounts of power (hydraulic cylinders). When compared to an electric motor that has the same horsepower, a hydraulic pump will have a relatively light and small size. The hydraulic energy system will provide greater horsepower strength at the same size compared to other energy systems.
- The hydraulic system uses mineral oil as a medium for transferring the force. In this system, the rubbing components are covered with a layer of oil (oil), so that the parts will automatically be lubricated. This process will reduce friction.
- In this system, the energy generated from converting hydraulic energy (hydraulic cylinder) is easier to control via a pressure / direction control valve. Even more loads can be overcome through relief valves.
Disadvantages of Hydraulic Power Steering
- Within a certain period of time, the power steering oil that relies on hydraulic must be replaced. Not to mention the need to be aware of oil leaks that like to leak when the seal is brittle.
- Wasteful of fuel, the hydraulic power steering system overloads the engine so that consumption is greater. This system requires more energy than using car air conditioning. In fact, the hydraulic system is in third position for the mechanical losses the car experiences while moving.
- The hydraulic system requires a clean, dust free environment. Its components are very sensitive to damage caused by dust, corrosion and other impurities. Also the influence of temperature can affect the properties of hydraulic oil. Because dirt will follow the hydraulic oil which then rubs against the friction areas of the hydraulic components resulting in leaks which will reduce efficiency. Under these conditions, the hydraulic system requires more intensive maintenance, which is very prominent when compared to other energy systems.
See Also :
What Can Be Used As a Substitute For Power Steering Fluid?
Difference Between Hydraulic and Electric Power Steering. So, to keep the electric power of your car from being easily damaged, then you need to pay attention to how you drive because this EPS damage is due to user negligence or their ignorance of using this advanced technology. One of them is don’t like speeding on roads that are not good, potholes and bumpy roads because it can damage the EPS motor components.