Unit 2 Lecture S&S

Hydraulic power steering

​By: Ran Sporkey, Brain Standers, Kellu Swaft

Hydraulic Fluid

How does Hydraulic Fluid work?

Hydraulic fluid creates fluid power by pumping the fluid through the hydraulic system. The fluid flows to the cylinder through the valve, and the hydraulic energy converts it back to mechanical energy.

Multiple Choice

Which fluid can be used for the power steering system

• Steering rated hydraulic fluid

• Power Steering Fluid

• Automatic Transmission Fluid

• All of the above

​Types of Power Steering Pumps

There are 4 types of pumps, they are integral, rack and pinion, hydro boost, and linkage type. They are the heart of these systems because they supply pressure to assist steering.

Power Steering lines and hose pressure rating

The lines and hoses for the power steering systems must be rated for 1,500 PSI at working condition. Hard lines are mostly used to meet this requirement.

Multiple Choice

What PSI do the lines have to be rated for?

• 1,500 PSI

• 400 PSI

• 5,000 PSI

• E=MC^2 PSI

​The types of power steering

• Hydraulic

• Electric

• Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic

​Pump whine noise

If there is a whining noise coming from the pump, it is most likely trapped air bubbles in your power steering fluid. If you think this is what the problem is, you can confirm it by removing the cap from the power steering fluid reservoir and checking if any bubbles or froth has formed in it.

Multiple Choice

What is the most likely cause of pump whine noise?

• The pump is defective

• Trapped air bubbles in the system

• Your car is about to explode

• Uhhh 5

​What causes a leak in the system?

The O-rings and seals in the power steering system lose flexibility, and tiny bits of the seals end up in the fluid. This can happen over time because of degredation.

Multiple Choice

Why would a leak appear in the system?

• Too much fluid

• Too much air in the system

• Too much pressure

• The o rings or seals lost flexibility

How it can be serviced

Power steering pump may require replacement if adequate pressure is not achieved.

Power steering hoses may require replacement if they are leaking.

A rack and pinion gear box or recirculating ball gear box may require replacement if it leaks or becomes loose.

Power steering systems are hydraulic, they need to be bled.