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Difference Between Electric Steering and Hydraulic Power Steering in Cars

difference between electric power steering sytem and hydraulic power steering system

Power steering these days has become extremely popular due to the effortless driving experience. It features an additional source that amplifies the power input significantly. There are two types of power steering – hydraulic power steering and electric power steering. Although both of them serve a similar purpose, their working principle differs significantly.

Nonetheless, before proceeding with hydraulic power steering vs electric steering, you must have a clear idea regarding how they work.

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What is Hydraulic Power Steering?
What is Electric Steering?
Power Steering vs Electric Steering
Different Car Models Having Electric and Hydraulic Power Steering Systems in India
Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hydraulic Power Steering in Cars?

A power steering system that uses hydraulic fluids to amplify steering to a significant extent is known as hydraulic power steering. The engine pumps steering fluids from the reservoir via pulleys to a pinion. As soon as the driver starts rotating the steering wheel, the fluid exerts an intensified hydraulic pressure on the gear of the vehicle's wheel. This ensures faster turning with less effort.

It has several components such as a hydraulic piston, return lines, hydraulic control valve, rack housing, and pinion gear. Hence, they require servicing from time to time.

What is Electric Steering in Cars?

The electric steering is a sophisticated form of power steering that uses sensors to increase the drivability of a vehicle with extremely less effort.

Electric steering works by drawing power from the electrical system of the vehicle. They have torque sensors to detect the amount of force applied by a driver while driving. Accordingly, they assist by compensating the remaining force in order to ensure a smooth and almost effortless driving experience.

Their components include a pinion shaft, rack-and-piston housing, steering torque sensor, ball-screw mechanism, belt drives, electric motor, and steering rack.

Now that you know about how they work, let's proceed to hydraulic power steering vs electric steering to know which system would suit your needs the most.

Difference Between Power Steering and Electric Steering

The differences between power and electric steering are as follows:

Parameter	Hydraulic Power Steering	Electric Steering
Complexity	More complicated	Less complicated
Hydraulic fluid requirement	Operates on hydraulic fluids	Do not require fluids to operate
Electric motor requirement	They do not require an electric motor for their operation	Electric motors play a key role in operating them
Weight	They weigh more	They weigh less
Cost	Less costly	More costly
Maintenance cost	Maintenance cost is high.	Maintenance cost is low.
Durability	More prone to faults and hence do not last for a longer time.	Less prone to faults and hence more durable.
Response to varying speeds	Response to varying speeds is not that good.	Response better at varying speeds.
Effect on fuel mileage	Can reduce fuel mileage of the engine.	Does not affect the fuel mileage of the engine.
Components	Consists of a hydraulic piston, return lines, hydraulic control valve, rack housing, and pinion gear.	Consists of a pinion shaft, rack-and-piston housing, steering torque sensor, ball-screw mechanism, drive belt, electric motor, and steering rack.
Road feedback	They have more road feedback.	They have less road feedback.
Adjustability	This steering type can be adjusted manually.	This steering type is adjusted digitally.
Repairing frequency	They have a lot of components and hence can require repairing more times.	They do not have so many components and hence repairing frequency is less.
Damage to the steering system	If they get damaged, the car can still move but with a lot of effort.	If they get damaged, the steering will not move at all.

Now that you know the exact points related to hydraulic power steering vs electric steering, you can easily choose the car with the steering system that suits you the best. However, you must service your vehicle's system at appropriate time intervals to ensure greater performance.

Different Car Models Having Electric and Hydraulic Power Steering Systems in India

Steering	Model 1	Model 2	Model 3	Model 4	Model 5	Model 6	Model 7
Power Steering	Maruti Suzuki Swift	Tata Nexon	Mahindra Scorpio	Hyundai Creta	Ford EcoSport	Mahindra Thar	Toyota Fortuner
Electric Steering	Tata Nexon EV	MG ZS EV	Hyundai Kona Electric	Mahindra eVerito	Tata Tigor EV	Mahindra XUV400 EV	MG Comet

It is, therefore, essential to know the difference between hydraulic power steering and electric steering before deciding. Hydraulic power steering uses hydraulic fluids and is tough with a good road feel, but it is relatively heavy and calls for frequent services. Electrical steering is compact in weight, powered with sensors for smooth control and primarily requires minimal maintenance.

Each system has advantages and disadvantages. One should choose based on one's preferences regarding car driving availability, budget, and maintenance. Regular servicing is essential to ensure optimal performance, regardless of the steering system.

FAQ's about Hydraulic Power Steering vs Electric steering

All

Why does hydraulic power steering have a high maintenance cost?

Hydraulic power steering has a high maintenance cost since it uses hydraulic fluid. So there is an additional fluid cost as well as a service cost for replacing the fluid. This is absent in the case of electric steering.

What are the pros and cons of electric steering?

Pros of electric steering are:

Eliminates maintenance cost.
Have additional features such as lane changes, automated parking and guidance around obstacles.
Offers greater fuel efficiency.
Assists drivers in turning steering wheels without much effort.
Can tolerate out-of-spec alignment settings.
Uses a sensor to determine the quantity of additional effort required.
Automatically adjusts to road conditions.

Cons of electric steering are:

If the EPS encounters a problem, then the steering wheel stops working completely.
Offer less road feedback.

What are the pros and cons of hydraulic power steering?

Pros of hydraulic power steering are:

High road feedback.
They have greater reliability.
Comparatively less expensive.
The vehicle can be driven even if they stop working.

Cons of hydraulic power steering are:

Not reliable for high revving motors.
Consumes more power.
Weighs comparatively more.
Their repair frequency is high.
This system is comparatively more complex.

Which is better, power steering or electric steering?

Electric steering is considered superior mainly because of its inherent technology, low maintenance requirements and better fuel economy. It offers better response at different velocities or accelerations and is more wear-resistant.

However, hydraulic power steering offers more road feedback and, in some cases, can be cheaper than the electric version as it does not require a pump. The choice depends on your priorities.

What is the safest steering method?

Electric and hydraulic power steering systems are safe, but the outcome can be dangerous when not maintained appropriately. Nonetheless, electric power steering is usually safer than hydraulic power steering because of the controlled movement and improved response on different speed categories. It also has fewer components that can fail, reducing the risk of sudden steering loss.

Why is power steering better?

Power steering is better because it significantly lessens the force needed to turn the steering wheel, making driving less stressful and not as exhausting, especially when driving slowly or when manoeuvring in parking lots. This gives the car better control and handling, making the ride more comfortable and enjoyable.

Is electric steering safe?

The electric steering is safe. It employs actuators and electrical motors to manage the control and provide a smoother facility of proper and safe steering. Unlike hydraulic systems, the system is simple to construct, linear, and free from some significant components that can easily give in to failure.

Why does electric power steering fail?

Electric power steering can fail due to several reasons, including:

Electrical issues within the vehicle may include a weak battery or a malfunctioning alternator.
Sensor Malfunctions: Problems with the motors that use the torque sensors to discover the driver's input.
Software Glitches: Software problems in the ECU / engine management units.
Mechanical failures include abrasion of the electric motor, or in the rack and pinion steering system, or any other part.

This can easily be avoided by doing proper maintenance on the system and timely inspection and replacement of parts that would be badly worn out.

Which is more fuel-efficient, hydraulic or electric power steering?

Electric power steering is more efficient in fuel consumption than regular power steering as it does not draw power from the engine.

Which system requires more maintenance?

Hydraulic power steering involves complexity since the systems must be filled with fluid and may eventually leak.

Which system is more durable?

Electric power steering tends to be less susceptible to wear and tear because it contains fewer components and does not operate with hydraulic fluid.

Which system provides better road feedback?

Hydraulic power steering typically provides better road feedback, making it preferred by some driving enthusiasts.

Is electric power steering more expensive to repair?

Electric power steering might be costlier to service since it consists of electronic systems.

Can hydraulic power steering affect fuel mileage?

Yes, hydraulic power steering can decrease fuel efficiency because it utilises power from the engine.

Which system is more common in modern vehicles?

Electric power steering is more prevalent in modern vehicles because of its efficiency and reduced maintenance needs.

Which system is easier to install?

Electric power steering is generally easier to install as it does not require hydraulic lines and fluid.

Which system offers better performance at varying speeds?

Due to its adaptive nature, electric power steering offers better performance at varying speeds.

Can electric power steering be adjusted digitally?

Electric power steering can be adjusted digitally for different driving conditions and preferences.

Is hydraulic power steering still used in new cars?

While less common, some new cars still use hydraulic power steering, especially in heavy-duty and performance vehicles.

Which system is better for off-road driving?

Hydraulic power steering is often preferred for off-road driving due to its robust nature and better road feedback.