Electrical Power Steering
Assignment
Here important areas, other than the steering gear, are summarised into a module. For the steering force support, this concerns not only the electric motor (in the above figure right at the top). Also integrated is a sensor for the torque coming from the steering wheel. The electric steering column locking mechanism is also fitted here. All together a very compact concentration and a substitute for the components which were earlier distributed around the whole engine compartment.
Function
The old continuous steering column can still just about be recognised. On the right, the steering wheel is mounted, on the left it extends to the gear rack. In between, there are, for safety sake, two universal joints, and in addition, the sliding collar which prevents the penetration of the whole functional element into the passenger area in the event of an accident. To avoid vibrations, a Hardy disc is mounted just in front of the second universal joint.
Apart from the adjustment handle for the steering-wheel tilt, (in the above figure, below on the right) if one looks carefully, one can recognise the control device behind the servo motor. It already indicates a little of the special abilities of the electric power assisted steering, it can regulate dependent on speed, and, e.g., support the reset forces of the steering right up to the zero steering angle when the vehicle is stationary. The motor itself is installed transverse to the steering column so that it can be activated through a worm-drive. Its auto-resistance is low, so that in the event of a breakdown of the engine or its control mechanism, steering is still possible, albeit with very much more effort.
