What Is Hydraulic Steering?

What Is Hydraulic Steering?

Hydraulic steering is widely used and serves as an assist system for the steering.

It relies on hydraulic oil pressure to make the steering wheel easier to turn.

Newer vehicles are increasingly replacing hydraulic steering systems with electric power steering.

Components of the Hydraulic Steering System

•  Steering wheel
• Steering shaft and column
• Hydraulic valve unit
• Steering gear box
• Hydraulic cylinder
• Hydraulic pump
• Hydraulic fluid reservoir
• Connecting pipes and hoses

How Does the Hydraulic Steering System Work?

The hydraulic steering system uses the relationship between pressure and force.

Force from hydraulic pressure supplements the effort applied when turning the steering wheel.

Because it does not work alone, it is referred to as an assist system.

Hydraulic pressure is generated in the steering hydraulic pump.

The pump takes its drive from the engine via belt and pulley, converts mechanical energy into hydraulic pressure, and delivers it to the rotary control valve.

The fluid required by the pump and system is stored in the hydraulic fluid reservoir; fluid returning from the system drains back into the reservoir.

The control valve (rotary valve) determines which line pressurized hydraulic fluid will flow through based on steering direction.

When the steering is in the straight-ahead position (not being turned), fluid from the pump is sent back to the reservoir and pressurized fluid has no effect.

The gear box housing contains a hydraulic cylinder. Inside the cylinder is a double-acting piston, and piston movement is determined by the direction of oil pressure application.

The piston rod end is connected to the rack; the rack end connects to the long tie rod, the long tie rod to the short tie rod, and the short tie rod to the tie rod end that steers the wheel carrier (wheel).

What Are the Functions of the Hydraulic Steering System?

• It engages quickly and precisely during steering wheel movement without the driver noticing.
• It provides smooth, comfortable driving. It adds comfort and lightness to the steering when parking or at low speeds where steering effort is high.
• It produces greater assist force at low speeds, making steering lighter.
• It reduces assist as speed increases. As vehicle speed rises, hydraulic steering support decreases and the steering feels firmer.
• It prevents the steering wheel from being knocked off course by impacts transmitted from the road to the wheels. Hydraulic steering improves driving, maneuvering performance, and safety.
• The greater the hydraulic steering assist, the less road feel the driver experiences.

 With the MS502M Hydraulic Steering Rack Test Device manufactured by MSG, you can easily test steering gear boxes.

With the MS502M you can measure flow parameters produced in the hydraulic steering rack and easily detect wear and leaks in the housing and seals.

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