What Is Power Steering?
Power steering is the system in your car that allows you to turn the front wheels with minimal effort. Read on for a comprehensive breakdown.
Written by John Davis
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Power steering is a system in modern vehicles that reduces the effort required to turn the front wheels, especially at low speeds. While many power steering systems use hydraulic fluid and a pump to accomplish this feat, newer vehicles are often equipped with electro-hydraulic or electric power steering systems.
If you drive a modern car, you most likely enjoy the benefits of a power steering system. And if your power steering fails, your arms will surely notice the difference. While the first power steering systems were in use as early as the late 19th century, they did not become commercially available until the 1950s, and they only became a standard option in the 1960s.
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What is power steering?
Simply put, power steering is a system that makes turning your car's front wheels significantly easier.
If you've ever driven an old car without power steering, you know how difficult it is to turn the wheels—especially when performing tight maneuvers at low speeds, like parking or making a tight turn in the city. Power-assisted steering systems use a hydraulic pump or electric motor to reduce the effort required to perform these actions significantly.
Although these systems have been around since the late 19th century, they first became commercially available in the 1951 Chrysler Imperial. Since then, automakers have been continually improving steering assist systems, and today, most cars are equipped with some form of power steering.
Hydraulic power steering
Hydraulic power steering systems dominated the game from the 1950s until the early 2000s. These systems rely on hydraulic pressure to turn the wheels and include a pump, steering rack and pinion, as well as a system of hoses through which pressurized power steering fluid flows.
A hydraulic pump, powered by the car's engine, pressurizes the fluid and sends it to the steering gear when you turn the wheel. This high-pressure fluid provides the power necessary to move the pinion (the circular gear inside the steering rack), which, in turn, moves your car's front wheels from side to side.
Power steering fluid
Hydraulic power steering systems use a special hydraulic fluid called power steering fluid. This fluid is pressurized by the power steering pump and enables easy turning of the steering wheel.
Kinds of power steering fluid
There are three main power steering fluid types, and your owner's manual will specify which type you should use in your vehicle.
- Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). This fluid is used in automatic transmissions and many hydraulic power steering systems.
- Synthetic power steering fluid. This type of fluid is created in a lab and is used in most newer vehicles with hydraulic power steering systems.
- Non-synthetic, mineral mineral-based power steering fluid. You may use mineral-based hydraulic fluid in some cars that take ATF.
How to check your power steering fluid
Checking your power steering fluid is relatively simple. You can locate the fluid reservoir under the hood, usually on the car's passenger side. It's typically a white bottle with a black cap that says "power steering fluid."
To check your power steering fluid, simply inspect the reservoir's level. There will be lines on the side of the container indicating the maximum and minimum fluid levels.
How often to change power steering fluid
How often you need to change your power steering fluid depends on your vehicle and the type of fluid it takes. However, you should generally replace the power steering fluid every 50,000 miles.
What color is power steering fluid?
The color of normal power steering fluid ranges from pink to dark red.
When you check your power steering fluid, be sure to inspect its color. You need to replace it if it's brown or black or if it's contaminated with dirt or debris.
Power steering pump
The power steering pump is the heart of your car's hydraulic power steering system. It directs the pressurized fluid to the steering gear and relies on your vehicle speed to determine how much fluid to send.
When you turn the steering wheel, a rotary valve detects the motion and allows fluid to move the steering gear. When you're driving straight, both sides are equally pressurized. However, when you turn, the valve opens the appropriate line and provides the pressure necessary to turn the wheels.
Symptoms of a faulty power steering pump
A bad power steering pump can cause a variety of problems in your car. Luckily, it's pretty easy to identify a faulty pump. These are some of the most common signs of a bad power steering pump:
- Low fluid level in the reservoir. If your fluid level is low, it could indicate that your pump is leaking or damaged.
- Fluid stains under your car. Fluid stains beneath the car can indicate problems with the power steering pump.
- A moaning or whining noise when turning the wheel. A moaning or whining noise is a classic sign of a faulty power steering pump.
- More steering effort is required to turn the wheel. If turning the steering wheel is difficult, you might have a bad pump.
- Unstable steering. If turning your steering wheel causes the car to jerk or move erratically, there might be a problem with the power steering pump.
Engine belt
The engine belt powers your power steering pump by turning its pulley. In some cars, this will be a serpentine belt that is attached to many different pulleys and engine components. Other cars will have multiple belts.
What are the signs of issues with the engine belt?
You should regularly inspect your engine belts for signs of wear and damage. If the belt is frayed, glazed, or broken, you might experience various issues.
Other signs of issues with the engine belt include a squealing sound while making turns. This often indicates the belt slipping on the power steering pump's pulley.
Power steering hoses
Another important part of hydraulic power steering systems is the network of hoses that transport the fluid between the various components. There are hoses connecting the reservoir to the pump and the pump to the steering gear and steering column.
Symptoms of bad power steering hoses
Bad power steering hoses are fairly easy to identify. A torn or burst hose will leak fluid either onto the ground beneath your car or onto other vehicle components. A leaking hose typically results in a stiff or hard-to-turn steering wheel.
Clogged hoses can also cause the steering to become stiff or difficult to turn. Be sure to inspect these hoses regularly by visually checking them for leaks or damage and by lightly squeezing them to check for signs of weakness or sponginess.
Electric power steering
Electric power steering systems—also known as EPS systems—are commonly found on newer vehicles. These systems use an electric motor powered by your car's electrical system instead of a hydraulic pump.
The motor is usually attached to the steering rack or mounted on the steering column. Sensors identify when you turn the wheel and in which direction, while a computer translates that information before applying the appropriate amount of force applied to the steering gear.
In most EPS systems, the computer changes the amount of force applied to the steering gear depending on your traveling speed. At lower speeds, more force is applied, making it easier to turn the wheel. At higher speeds, less force is applied to ensure you maintain control of the car.
Pros of electric power steering
Electric power steering systems come with a variety of benefits. Some of the most significant advantages of EPS systems include the following:
- Improved fuel economy. Hydraulic power steering systems operate at all times when the engine is running, resulting in greater fuel consumption. EPS systems are powered by electricity and only run when you're turning the wheel, which results in a modest reduction in fuel usage.
- Less car maintenance. EPS systems eliminate the need for hydraulic power steering fluid, which means one less item to worry about on your car care checklist.
- The ability to use convenience features. Electric power steering systems enable the use of modern features, like lane-keep assistance and automated parking and lane changing.
- Less reliant on proper alignment specs. While a misaligned car will cause all sorts of issues, EPS systems are better at dealing with those problems. This is because the computers used by some EPS systems are capable of identifying and correcting things like a car pulling to one side.
- Improved handling in strong wind. Many EPS systems can adjust to a strong wind, eliminating the need for constant input from the driver.
- The technology of the future. Electric power steering systems are the future of car steering. Electric and self-driving cars will utilize this technology, as it allows the vehicle to use computer software to steer itself.
Electro-hydraulic steering
Electro-hydraulic systems—also known as hybrid systems—are a middle ground between electric and hydraulic power steering systems. They work similarly to hydraulic assistance, except an electric motor pressurizes the fluid instead of a pump attached to the engine.
These systems eliminate the energy waste that comes with standard hydraulic power steering, but they don't allow for the use of advanced features like fully electric systems.
You will most commonly encounter electro-hydraulic systems on heavy-duty commercial trucks.
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What kind of power steering is best?
Of the three types of power steering systems, electric power steering provides the most benefits.
These systems allow for the use of advanced safety and convenience features while also eliminating waste and the need to use hydraulic fluid. These features combine to result in a system that is less reliant on regular maintenance and offers greater safety and convenience for the driver.
As automakers continue to innovate and improve the designs of their vehicles, more and more cars will be equipped with EPS systems.
Key Takeaway Electric power steering systems offer the most benefits, including the ability to use advanced safety and convenience features while eliminating the need for hydraulic fuel.
How to find cheap car insurance
While you can eliminate one form of car care by purchasing a vehicle with an electric power steering system, you can't escape the need for car insurance. In fact, buying a quality plan is one of the most valuable steps you can take toward protecting yourself and your vehicle.
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Is power steering required?
Power steering is not required. However, your car will be significantly more difficult to turn without it, especially at low speeds.
Do all cars have power steering?
Not all cars have power steering. Many older vehicles without power steering are still on the road. And some modern cars—like the Alfa Romeo 4C—are built without power steering.
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