Description And Operation
DESCRIPTION
The power steering system consists of these major components:
| 1. | Intermediate Shaft |
| 2. | Electric Power Steering (EPS) |
| 3. | Steering Wheel |
| 4. | Electric Power Steering (EPS) Module |
| 5. | Outer Tie Rod End |
| 6. | Inner Tie Rod End |
| 7. | Steering Gear |
OPERATION
Turning of the steering wheel is converted into linear (side-to-side) travel through the meshing of the helical pinion teeth with the rack teeth within the steering gear. The lateral travel pushes and pulls the tie rods to change the direction of the vehicle's front wheels.
Power assist steering is provided by an electric motor connected to the steering column. The Electric Power Steering (EPS) system provides variable assist for steering maneuvers based on several inputs, including Vehicle Speed, Steering Angle Sensor (SAS), and Vehicle Voltage.
The EPS system communicates over the CAN C network. The steering angle sensor is internal to the EPS column and outputs the SAS position to other modules. The steering column is designed to be serviced only as a complete assembly if an internal component is found to be defective.
Manual steering control of the vehicle can be maintained if power steering assist is lost. However, under this condition, steering effort is significantly increased.