How does power steering work?
While power steering was essentially “born” in Chrysler’s Imperial in 1951, it didn’t permeate vehicles locally until the early to mid nineties and, even then, it was something of a premium perk. So depending on your age, you’re either old enough to remember the true struggle with a three-point turn, or you’re young enough to hear about it through the comical adage of “when I was your age.”
Nowadays, power steering is commonplace in even the most entry-level cars — and for good reason too. In a nutshell, power steering reduces the effort required for the driver to turn the wheel, meaning the response of the car to minute adjustments from the steering wheel are both sensitive and responsive. Having a first-hand comparison makes it easy to understand the advantages from a safety perspective — let alone the convenience factor.
Types of Power Steering
What is the difference between electric power steering and hydraulic power steering?
How does it work?
There are different types of power steering: hydraulic and electric power steering.
Hydraulic Power Steering
Hydraulic power steering uses hydraulic fluid that is pressurised by a pump driven off the engine. This was the most popular and widely-used functionality since its inception, however didn’t come without its own set of challenges:
- Wasted energy as the pump runs continuously (even when the vehicle is driving straight)
- The hydraulic fluid needs to be replaced periodically
- If the hydraulic lines spring a leak, this creates a mess and means that the power steering ability is lost (though the car can still be steered)
In the event that you are looking to change or replace hydraulic fluid yourself, be sure to check the appropriate specifications in your owner’s manual. These oftentimes range between automatic transmission fluid and/or synthetic fluid. The type of power steering fluid that is specified for your vehicle should be listed in your owner’s manual or marked on the power steering reservoir or filler cap. Please don’t hesitate to contact us should you need to discuss this with the team who will gladly assist you should you be driving a Subaru and encounter any problems with your power steering.
Electrical Power Steering
Far more popular on the newer cars to market, Electrical Power Steering (EPS) uses an electric motor that draws energy from the vehicle’s electrical system to provide the steering assistance. Sensors detect the torque being applied at the steering wheel, while a computer decides how much assist needs to be applied. In most systems, the computer changes the steering effort based on the vehicle’s speed; at slower speeds or while you’re engaged in a parking manoeuvre, the steering is light and easy to turn. Conversely, while you’re travelling at greater speeds on open roads, the effort amps up and gives you — the driver — a feeling of greater stability and control.
Not sure what power steering system your Subaru has?
While nothing beats driving a brand new Subaru off the showroom floor, it would be remiss of us to overlook the impressive lifespan of our cars and therefore the tremendous value the brand boasts on the second-hand market. Perhaps you bought your trusted Subaru as a used model and aren’t sure what system is installed in your particular make, model and year. Check for a hydraulic fluid reservoir in the engine compartment which would normally signify that yours is a hydraulic power steering system.
If you need to be sure, why not give us a call on +27 11 608 0116 and speak to a qualified sales rep or technician who will be able to assist you, or take your details and get back to you with the relevant information timeously.
Old or new, there’s no steering like steering your Subaru through life. Why not book a test drive and see if all this talk translates to enough torque to have you convinced?
Use our store locator to find your nearest dealership, and if you would like to know more about the Subaru range, you can call us on +27 11 608 0116 or email info@subaru.co.za and a skilled member of our team will be happy to assist you.
