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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 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