Table of Contents
Variable-assist, variable-rate or variable-effort power steering is used on a growing number of vehicles. As a vehicle’s speed increases, less effort and assist are needed to steer the wheels.
How do you know if you have variable-effort steering?
You might also want to check the underside of your spare tire cover. There should be a Service Parts Identification label. Check the label for the code NV7. If it’s there, then your car has variable power steering.
What is variable power steering?
Variable assist power steering systems are used on a variety of vehicles to provide maximum assist while parking and less assist and a firmer feel at highway speeds. It is typically accomplished by controlling and varying the pressure to the steering gear or rack.
What happens to the actuator valve in a VAPS system as vehicle speed increases?
As the vehicle’s speed increases above 5 mph, the module starts to close the actuator valve to reduce power assist in direct proportion to speed.
Does my car have variable ratio steering?
To identify a variable-assist power steering, you may try doing a visual search. You can start that by studying the hydraulic power assist if that uses a droop flow pump. If this pump stays in the same place even with an accelerated engine RPM, that means your vehicle is aided with variable-assist power steering.
How does variable ratio steering work?
Variable gear ratio steering is the answer. It is able to vary the steering ratio according to speed and steering angle. This means it reacts slower on the straight ahead and quicker at larger steering angle. BTW, Mercedes uses the same means in its “Direct Steer” option.
What are advantages of variable ratio steering and variable assist power steering?
As a vehicle’s speed increases, less effort and assist are needed to steer the wheels. Variable-rate steering, by comparison, applies more assist at low speed when it is needed most and reduces assist at higher speeds when it is needed least.
What is Evo steering?
E.V.O. stands for Electronically Variable Orifice. This component is controlled by an electronic control module that reduces fluid pressure from the power steering pump to the steering gear at highway speeds. Improved high speed handling and road feel is the result.
What is the purpose of the power steering pressure switch?
The power steering oil pressure switch works very much like the engine oil pressure switch. Their core function is to activate the warning light on the dashboard when oil pressure is low.
What advantages are there to variable ratio steering?
The ability to change a vehicle’s steering ratio has many advantages. A quicker ratio (fewer turns lock-to-lock) can give a vehicle a deft feel. At high speeds, switching to a slower ratio (more turns lock-to-lock) imparts a better sense of stability.
What type of motor is used in most electric power steering?
Most electric power steering systems use a three-phase electric motor powered by a pulse width modulated DC voltage. The motor is brushless and has an operating voltage range of 9 to 16 volts. Three phase motors allow for faster and more precise application of torque at low RPMs.
What diagnostic equipment is usually needed to diagnose faults or relearn the electric power steering system?
what diagnostic equipment is usually needed to diagnose faults or relearn the electric power steering system? factory or factory level scan tool.
What does an Evo sensor do?
The vehicle computer monitors vehicle speed and steering wheel action to activate and deactivate the solenoid located on the steering pump, controlling fluid flow to the steering gear. At slow speeds, the EVO solenoid is fully open making steering assist easier.
What is assist steering?
Toyota Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist is a safety system that helps drivers avoid making unintentional deviations from their lanes. It is a valuable piece of the technology that, when activated, refines the steering of a driver who is in full control of their vehicle.
What is Magnasteer steering?
RAY: Magnasteer was an early version of variably assisted power steering. So, when you’re driving slow – like when you’re maneuvering this QE2 into a parking space – you get the maximum assist from the power steering. Lots of cars now do this via electric power-steering units.
Is it worth the extra cost to service the power steering fluid?
We strongly encourage this service after the vehicle odometer has reached 60,000 miles. As your car continues to age its also a good idea to have it done every 30,000 miles thereafter. Considering that the average steering repair costs between $600 and $1000, routine preventative maintenance is a sound investment.
Where can we use 1 1 steering ratio?
The steering ratio is the ratio of the number of degrees of turn of the steering wheel to the number of degrees the wheel(s) turn as a result. In motorcycles, delta tricycles and bicycles, the steering ratio is always 1:1, because the steering wheel is fixed to the front wheel.
How do you adjust the steering ratio?
To change the steering ratio, you have to Steering gear change. This means that a completely different steering gear has to be installed. However, it is questionable whether the installation of a different steering gear, which is not installed as standard by the manufacturer, is permitted in public road traffic.
What is the purpose of the power steering pressure switch quizlet?
A power steering pressure switch sends a signal to the powertrain control module, indicating higher engine speed is needed during sharp cornering at slow speeds. Technician A says that all vehicles from the same manufacturer use the exact same power steering fluid.
