In the automotive industry, new technologies are constantly developed. The goal is to make driving a safer and easier experience. One of those modern implementations is a variable assist power steering. Back in the day, without it, it was much harder to turn the wheel and control the vehicle. But, still, you need to know how to tell if you have variable assist power steering.
There are several ways to tell if you have variable power assist steering. First, check the vehicle specification list for this feature. After that, check the VIN. With the help of a numeration handbook, you can identify the steering. Then, check under the glove handle cover for a code that has an NV7 mark on it. Check the build tag under the trunk’s lid and look for a code with 1SC symbols. Inspect if there is a hydraulic pump in the car. If there is, then the car is using Hydraulic power assist.
These are some of the methods that you can try to identify the type of steering in your car. We will go through this topic in more detail later on. We will also resolve the mysteries of power steering technology and why it is an improvement. Stay with us.
What Is Variable Assist Power Steering Technology & How Does It Work?
When a vehicle has a variable-assist system, that means that the level of assistance to the driver depends on the vehicle’s speed. If the car moves slower, it will offer more assistance, while at high speeds, the assistance will be minimized. This way, the driver can maneuver the car in tight spaces.
Power-assisted steering works by regulating the pressure of the steering gear. The steering sensors monitor the speed of the vehicle and the rotations of the wheels. They deliver that information to the steering controller. The controller sends a signal to the variable-assist steering actuator. It then moves the fluid from the pump to the steering valve.
The next component in this system is the electronic variable orifice (EVO) valve. When the speed is below 40MPH, the valve is completely open, allowing the fluid to flow. Then, the level of assistance is high, and the driver can move the wheel.
Through that operation, the system controls the work of the power-assisted steering. That way, they can adjust how much steering help is needed by the driver.
Variable Assist Power Steering vs. Traditional Power Steering
Before variable assist power steering, cars were using hydraulic power steering. It is still in use, but due to its flaws, like problems with leakage and lack of control on the level of the assistance, it is in decline.
In simple words, in hydraulic power steering, the hydraulic fluid is pressurized. That way, it gives extra power to make steering easier. The hydraulic steering system is made of:
- Steering fluid reservoir
- Power steering pump
- Rotary valve
- Hydraulic chamber
- Hydraulic fluid
The steering pump is connected to the engine with fluid lines. When the engine is running, its driving belt is making a turn, and that turn is also moving the pump. The pump pulls the fluid from the reservoir and pressurizes it. From there, the fluid is moved through the lines to the rotary valve and the steering rack.
If there is no need for steering assistance, the rotary valve can then redirect the fluid back to the steering pump. But, in case the help is needed, the fluid is redirected to the hydraulic chamber. Inside the chamber is a piston that divides the chamber into two equal parts. The fluid then pushes the piston to the weaker side of the chamber. That way, the driver gets the much-needed assistance.
On the other hand, variable-assist power steering does not use any pumps or fluids. It is controlled with sensors and a main controller. They monitor the speed of the vehicle and how the wheels are turning. By that, they will apply assistance to the driver.
Why Knowing Your Steering Type Matters
Knowing what type of steering system your car has is important. It is important to know the tire dimensions of your car or the type of fuel that the engine uses. The main reasons to know this information are. The main reasons to know this information are:
- Maintenance. If you don’t know the type of power steering, you don’t know how to maintain it properly. Maintaining this important system is as important as all the other systems in the car.
- Possibilities and characteristics. When you know the type of steering, you know what you can expect of it. Different types of steering offer different features and possibilities.
Check Out This Video Explanation of Power Steering:
How To Tell If You Have Variable Assist Power Steering
Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
If you have a VIN numeration book, you can decode every number in the VIN. With the identification of vehicle data, you will find what type of power assist steering system your car is utilizing.
Steering Mode Selector
If the car has a steering mode selector, that means that the car is using a variable power steering aid. With the option of choosing types of driving modes, you get a neat driving experience. You are also sure that the steering is variable.
Steering Feel at Different Speeds
The steering will feel different at low and high speeds. At high speed, the stability increases, and it is not so easy to turn the wheel. On the other hand, at low speeds, while parking or maneuvering in confined spaces, it will be easy to turn the wheel.
One of the main pluses of variable power steering is to offer proper stability and ideal steering conditions in all situations.
Also, you will hear and feel a clunk or a vibration when moving under sharp corners. Also, you can listen to the sound of a turning steering wheel while the car is not moving.
Visual Inspection of Variable Assist Power Steering Components
The best and ultimate test is to check for a wiring harness around the pump of the car. If the wiring is there, then you have a variable power modern steering system.
You can also check for the wiring harness around the spool valve. If you find it, then you are dealing with a magnetic variable-assist steering. That is one of the older versions of variable power steering systems.
Check Out How to Tell You Have a Variable Steering Wheel (Easy Steps):
Common Brands and Models with Variable Assist Steering
Both Bosch and ZF, two giants in the steering industry, are offering assisted power steering units. They offer this for cars, commercial vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, and trucks. These companies are selling their products to all major car manufacturers.
That is a sure sign that variable-assist power steering systems are pushing out the hydraulic systems. This is also a sign of technological progress. These systems offer significant advantages to older hydraulic systems.
Diagnostic Tools for Variable Assist Power Steering
The best way to diagnose problems with the variable-assist power steering is with the help of the scan tools. Before you do a physical inspection of the components, look at the inputs, possible error codes, and the system network. Check the data that the sensors are sending to check for any strange values. Also, examine other modules on the CAN bus to affirm that they are communicating.
Sometimes, the problem can be in the transmission control module (TCM). Then, you need to diagnose and test it. Only then you will be able to resolve the issue with this module.
FAQs
How Do I Know If I Have Power Steering Issues?
Several symptoms can point to a problem with the power steering. The most common are:
- You fill the pressure while turning the wheel
- The steering wheel is slowly reacting to your commands
- If you have a loosening feel while using the steering wheel
- When you hear a whining noise while turning the steering wheel
- A low level of steering fluid is another sign of a problem
- A squalling noise when you are starting the car.
Which Type of Power Steering is Best?
Electric power steering is the steering that is recommended if you are buying a new car. If you have a newer car, you are already using it. Sometimes, it has advanced features, like choosing a driving mode.
Hydraulic steering is an old approach to steering, and it can be found only on older vehicles.
Final Considerations
Understanding how cars work can help us to use them better, and maintain them. The steering system is one of the essential systems in every car. It has developed through the decades. The old hydraulic steering has been replaced by the electric and variable-assist power steering.
In this article, we went through the basics, differences, and features of the most common steering systems. From there, you can understand the differences and improvements that came with the variable-assist power steering. Just do not forget to maintain it properly, and you are good to go!
