Power steering - a device designed not only to provide comfort, but also to improve safety when driving. Thanks to this part, control over the machine is maintained even if the front tire breaks.
The power steering was created in order to reduce the force exerted by the driver on the steering wheel. This is of particular importance when driving trucks. Despite the complexity of the device and the high cost, power amplifiers are widely used in the design of cars. This is mainly due to the fact that in addition to their main functions, these details contribute to reducing the gear ratio of the control mechanism. Due to this, the number of revolutions of the steering wheel between its extreme positions is reduced. This, in turn, increases maneuverability.
The power steering provides mitigation of impacts that are transmitted to the control mechanism when driving on rough roads. As a result, driver fatigue is significantly reduced, and when the front tire ruptures, control over handling is not lost.
The power steering includes several elements.
A pump is used to ensure circulation and pressure of the working fluid. Most often, vane pumps are used , as they are characterized by high efficiency and low sensitivity to wear of working surfaces. The pump is mounted on the motor, its drive is provided from the crankshaft by means of a belt drive.
The distribution (direction) of the liquid into a specific cavity in the hydraulic cylinder or back to the tank is carried out by means of a distributor. It can be rotary or axial. In the first case, the movable element of the part moves forward, and in the second, it rotates. The part can be located on one shaft with a control mechanism or on the components of the steering gear. The distributor is a high-precision unit, quite sensitive to oil pollution.
The conversion of fluid pressure, as well as the movement of the piston and the rod, turning through a system of levers of the wheel, is carried out by a hydraulic cylinder. This part can be integrated into the control mechanism or located between the elements of the drive and the body.
By means of a working fluid (special oil), the force is transferred from the pump towards the hydraulic cylinder. As a reservoir for this fluid is a tank that includes a filter element. A probe is located in the cork, with the help of which the liquid level is determined.
The fluid is circulated through the system through connecting hoses. The connection of the hydraulic cylinder, pump and distributor is made by means of high pressure hoses.
In modern car designs, an electronic unit is used. Due to it, the hydraulic booster is adjusted in accordance with the speed of the machine. This part provides additional safety at high speeds, since it is more difficult for the driver to sharply turn the steering wheel, thus deviating the car from the trajectory.
So that the power steering does not fail prematurely, it is recommended to monitor its performance. For this, certain operations should be carried out. It should be noted that repair of the power steering is a rather laborious process and requires a certain qualification. To prevent the occurrence of various unforeseen situations, experts recommend regularly checking and adjusting (if necessary) the degree of tension of the drive belt, once a year (or once every two years) to change the oil and filter element. Replacement of these components is also carried out in the case when the color of the working fluid has changed.