We are starting to see a number of vehicles on the Australian market today, utilising new electronic steering technology as opposed to the traditional hydraulic system.

One of the most appealing advantages of electric power steering to auto manufacturers has to be simplicity. It basically consists of a steering rack with a motorised assisted mechanism located either on the steering column or the rack itself to provide the assistance.

There is a lot of design work and technology in the electric steering systems themselves, but the use of electric systems simplifies vehicle assembly and frees up valuable space in the engine compartment.

Traditional hydraulic steering systems require a pump mounted on the engine, a belt to drive the pump, hoses to connect the pump to the steering gear and fluid to transfer the energy from the pump to the steering gear. All these components can now be eliminated. This may not sound like much, but in design terms, it is significant.

So how does it work? Two sensors on the steering rack are used. One sensor monitors driver input from the steering wheel. As soon as the wheel is turned, the steering module provides power to an electric motor that moves the steering gear. The second sensor monitors the steering gear position and provides feedback on correct operation to the steering module. Other inputs such as vehicle speed or vehicle lateral acceleration can be used to modify steering assist for better steering feel.

The electric steering unit is still connected to the steering wheel by a steel shaft, but this is only used to provide input to the sensor during normal operation. If the steering module detects a fault, it shuts down the electric motor and the steel shaft allows the vehicle to still be steered.

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily shared by Australian Power Steering P/L)