Steering System, SteeringLinkages, Power and Power-Assisted Steering
Vehicle Steering
System
Presented By
Abrar Muhammed
Adithya
Arun Vigneshwar
2.
The vehicle steeringsystem is a crucial component
that enables a driver to control the direction of a
vehicle. It allows the driver to change the course of
the vehicle by turning the wheels, thereby navigating
through roads and corners. Modern steering
systems have evolved significantly from early
mechanical linkages to more sophisticated power-
assisted systems. These systems enhance driver
comfort, responsiveness, and safety by reducing the
effort required to turn the wheels, especially at low
speeds or during maneuvers. Key components
include the steering wheel, steering column, rack
and pinion (or other types of steering gears), tie
rods, and various sensors and control modules in
advanced systems.
Introduction
3.
Direction Control: Allowsthe driver to steer the
vehicle left or right, essential for navigating curves,
corners, and changing lane
.Vehicle Stability: Contributes to the vehicle's stability
and handling, maintaining control during maneuvers
and at higher speeds
Feedback to the Driver: Provides feedback on road
conditions and vehicle response, helping the driver
adjust for safety and comfort.
Assistance Systems: Includes power steering to
reduce steering effort, particularly useful in heavy or
stationary conditions.
Slide 3: Basics of Steering
Systems
4.
Alignment Maintenance: Helpsmaintain proper
wheel alignment for even tire wear, optimal handling,
and fuel efficiency.
Emergency Maneuvers: Enables quick changes in
direction during emergencies, aiding in obstacle
avoidance and accident prevention.
Integration with Other Systems: Works with
suspension and braking systems to ensure overall
vehicle performance and safety.
Basics of Steering
Systems
Manual Steering
Systems
Manual steeringsystems, also known as non-
assisted steering systems, rely entirely on
mechanical linkage between the steering wheel
and the front wheels. These systems have been
largely replaced by power steering in modern
vehicles but are still found in some older
vehicles and certain specialty vehicles where
simplicity and reliability are prioritized over ease
of steering effort.
Here are the key characteristics and
components of . manual steering systems
. Steering Wheel
. Steering Shaft
. Steering Gearbox or Rack
. Pitman Arm or Tie Rods
. Manual Control
7.
Manual Steering
Systems
The primaryfunction of power steering is to
reduce the effort required by the driver to turn
the steering wheel, especially at low speeds or
when parking. These are two types of power
steering system
. Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS): Uses hydraulic
pressure generated by a pump driven by
the engine to assist steering. Fluid pressure
helps move a piston that reduces steering
effort.
. Electric Power Steering (EPS): Uses an electric
motor to provide steering assistance. EPS
systems are more efficient and responsive
compared to hydraulic systems.
8.
Understanding and properlyadjusting
caster, camber, and toe settings are essential
for optimizing vehicle handling, tire
performance, and overall driving dynamics.
Automotive professionals use alignment
equipment to measure and adjust these
parameters according to manufacturer
specifications or performance preferences.
Steering Geometry
9.
Camber:Camber refers tothe angle of the wheels
relative to the vertical axis when viewed from the
front or rear of the vehicle. It can be positive,
negative, or zero.
Caster:Caster is the angle of the steering axis
when viewed from the side of the vehicle. It is the
forward or backward tilt of the steering axis
relative to a vertical line.
Toe:Toe refers to the angle of the wheels relative
to the centerline of the vehicle when viewed from
above. It can be toe-in (wheels pointing slightly
towards each other) or toe-out (wheels pointing
slightly away from each other).
Steering Geometry
10.
Hydraulic power steering(HPS) works by using hydraulic pressure
generated by a pump to assist the driver in turning the steering
wheel.
How Hydraulic Power Steering Works:
Pump: The system includes a hydraulic pump typically driven by the
engine via a belt. This pump generates hydraulic pressure.
Fluid: Hydraulic fluid is circulated by the pump through hoses and
into the steering mechanism.
Control Valve: As the driver turns the steering wheel, a control valve
directs the flow of hydraulic fluid to either side of the steering
mechanism (rack and pinion or steering box).
Assistance: The hydraulic pressure generated by the pump assists in
moving the steering mechanism, reducing the effort required by the
driver.
Return: After assisting with steering, the hydraulic fluid returns to
the reservoir for reuse.
Hydraulic Power Steering
11.
enhanced Steering Effort:Hydraulic power steering
significantly reduces the amount of physical effort
required to turn the steering wheel, especially at low
speeds and when parking.
Feedback and Feel: Provides better feedback and steering
feel compared to some electric power steering systems,
which can enhance driver confidence and control.
Reliability: Hydraulic systems are generally robust and
have been used reliably for many years in various vehicle
applications.
Performance: Offers smooth and consistent steering
assistance across different driving conditions,
contributing to overall driving comfort.
Advantages of Hydraulic Power
Steering
12.
Fuel Efficiency: Hydraulicpower steering systems are driven
by an engine-driven pump, which can consume a small
amount of engine power, leading to slightly reduced fuel
efficiency compared to electric power steering systems.
Maintenance: Requires regular maintenance, including
checking and changing hydraulic fluid, inspecting hoses
and belts for leaks or wear, and ensuring proper
functioning of the pump and control valves.
Environmental Impact: Hydraulic fluids can be hazardous to
the environment if not properly disposed of or if there are
leaks.
Weight: Adds weight to the vehicle due to the hydraulic
pump, fluid reservoir, hoses, and related components,
although modern designs have minimized this impact.
Disdvantages of Hydraulic Power
Steering
13.
Electro-hydraulic power steering(EHPS)
combines hydraulic and electric systems. It
uses hydraulic pressure for steering
assistance, controlled by electric actuators
for better precision. EHPS improves fuel
efficiency, provides good steering feel, and
adjusts assistance dynamically. It's more
complex and may require more
maintenance than traditional systems, but
offers a balance of reliability and modern
control.
Electro-Hydraulic Power
Steering
Future trends insteering systems are moving
towards advancements that enhance efficiency,
precision, and integration with vehicle dynamics
and autonomous driving technologies. Here are
some key future trends:
Steer-by-Wire Technology
Variable Steering Ratios
Artificial Intelligence and Machine
LearningEnhanced Driver Assistance Systems
(ADAS)
Future Trends
16.
Modern steering systemsare transitioning
from hydraulic power steering (HPS) to
electric power steering (EPS) for efficiency
and integration with advanced driver
assistance systems (ADAS). Previous
technologies like HPS provided robustness,
while EPS offers precision and energy
savings. Future trends include steer-by-
wire and AI-driven adaptive features for
enhanced safety and driving experience.
Conclusion