Steering - Operation

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, and Vehicle Voltage.

The EPS system communicates over the CAN C network.

Manual steering control of the vehicle can be maintained if power steering assist is lost. However, under this condition, steering effort is significantly increased.