Electric Power Steering Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Brake & Front End
Electric Power Steering: Mating Electrical And Mechanical Diagnostics

Most electric power steering system modules are on the high-speed CAN network with the engine control, ABS and transmission control modules. Some vehicles will also include the body control module and other modules that are critical to the safety of the vehicle. These modules share a lot of data to make sure the driver does not notice when the electric power steering is working.

Electric Power Steering Advancements

Electric power assist does more than add force in either direction; it can push back to improve handling and driver comfort. These corrections could be as innocuous as adding a little assist for road crown, or as obvious as the vehicle steering on its own. But, a lot of the improvements in electric power steering have mostly gone unnoticed by the driver and even the technician.

VIDEO: Can Electric Power Steering Smooth Out Road Crown?

Jason Stahl discusses electric power steering and how it senses driver activity in order to smooth the vehicle’s suspension movements on turns. Sponsored by Standard.

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VIDEO: Power Steering ECM Technology

Andrew Markel discusses power steering systems, and how it uses sensors and the ECM to add steering assist during certain road conditions. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.

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Alignment Specs: 2011-2015 Chevy Cruze

The Chevy Cruze debuted as the replacement for the Cobalt. On the outside and under the hood, the Cruze is a big upgrade from the Cobalt. Underneath, however, the two cars have similar setups. In the six years the Cruze has been on the road, it has proven to be a reliable vehicle for the most part, but it has had some suspension issues.

2011-2015 Chevy Cruze Alignment: Are You Calibrating The Steering Angle Sensor?

The Chevy Cruze debuted as the replacement for the Cobalt. On the outside and under the hood, the Cruze is a big upgrade from the Cobalt. Underneath, however, the two cars have similar setups. In the six years, the Cruze has been on the road, it has proven to be a reliable vehicle for the most part, but it has had some suspension issues.

Electronic Power Steering: Better Than Hydraulic?

Diagnosing electric power steering systems requires an understanding of voltage, current and loads. Also, a technician must understand how the modules and sensors work together to determine the level of assist.

Chevrolet Cobalt 2005-2010 Alignment

If you were to look at the underside of a 2005-’10 Chevy Cobalt or Pontiac G5, the layout doesn’t look that much different than a 1995-2004 Chevrolet Cavalier or Pontiac Sunfire.

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GM Tech Tip: Grease Or Sealant Visible On Electronic Power Steering Gear Is Not A Leak

On GM vehicles with electric power steering starting in 2009, you may see grease or sealant on certain locations of the steering gear. Vehicles with electric power steering systems do not have fluid inside of them.

ADAS System Diagnosis And Service

If you have been tracking my columns, you will recall that I have been talking a lot about future technology. Recently, I participated in an event where this technology was on display, which then became the topic for a previous article. Imagine my surprise when this seemingly distant future tech showed up on a television

Power Steering Dynamics And Diagnostics

Twenty-five years ago, when the power steering failed, diagnosing the system was easy. The most difficult problem to diagnose was the “morning sickness” that plagued some vehicles when they were cold. Today, the introduction of speed sensitive steering, electric power steering and computer controls have made power steering diagnostics more demanding.

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Electric Power Steering Diagnostics

Electric power steering is more energy efficient than hydraulic systems and does not provide assist until it receives driver input, but there are differences in the hydraulic and electric assist that will affect the driver’s and technician’s understanding of the component and its integration into the ESC and self-park system.