What is the difference between a hydraulic booster and an electric booster. Which is better, power steering or electric power steering? Choosing the best

All those who have learned to drive on a “Kopeyka” or another middle-aged car like it know firsthand how difficult it is to control the trajectory of a car that is not equipped with a power steering, so the power steering is definitely an important component of any modern car. That's just what happens and. What better power steering Or electric power steering? - a rather controversial question, most often reduced to the individual preferences of everyone, but this does not mean that there is no clear unambiguous answer to it. Look for it below, but for now, first things first.

What is GUR and EUR?

Both GUR (hydraulic power steering) and EUR (electric / electromechanical power steering) are automotive device used in its steering system to make it easier to turn the steering wheel. Only the first works due to the high oil pressure, which facilitates control, and the second - with the help of an electric motor.

The device and principle of operation of the power steering.

The main components of any power steering are:

1. reservoir with hydraulic fluid (oil);
2. pump;
3. pipelines of high and low pressure;
4. spool valve;
5. steering gear with bipod.

When the driver turns the steering wheel, a pump, driven by a belt from the crankshaft, supplies oil to the spool valve under a pressure of 50-100 atmospheres. And he, in turn, monitoring the efforts applied to the steering wheel, provides strictly metered assistance in influencing the wheels.

The device and principle of operation of the electric power steering.

1. electric motor;
2. non-contact torque sensor;
3. steering column shaft and torsion shaft;
4. ECU - electronic control unit;
5. rotor position sensor.

They interact in the following way.

When the driver turns the steering wheel, the torsion bar begins to twist, which instantly notices the torque sensor and transmits the corresponding data to the ECU. The latter correlates the information received with the data of other sensors (crankshaft speed and speed), calculates the necessary compensation force and gives the appropriate command to the electric motor, which in turn acts on the steering column shaft, facilitating the rotation of the steering wheel.

Pros and cons of hydraulic power steering.

• Driving a car equipped with power steering is equally comfortable at all speeds.
• The production of a power steering is less expensive, so the vehicles on which it is installed are noticeably cheaper than their counterparts with the EUR.
• The entire power steering system is quite powerful, so it can easily withstand any load, which means it can be installed on SUVs and trucks.

• Dependence on the engine and the constant waste of part of its power, even at high speed rectilinear motion on the track, when the need for increased effort applied to the steering wheel is minimal.
• Power steering requires careful operation. For example, it is forbidden to keep the steering wheel in its most extreme position for more than 5 seconds, as this can cause the oil in the power steering system to overheat and fail. It is important to always monitor the oil level in the system, change it twice a year, etc.
• Longer response to the actions of the driver than the EUR.
• Bulky.

Pros and cons of electric power steering.

• Efficiency: the EUR turns on only when the steering wheel is turned, while its opponent - the power steering - works constantly, unnecessarily consuming both engine power and fuel reserves.
• Has several modes of use.
• Compactness: in comparison with the hydraulic booster, the electric booster takes up very little space in the engine compartment.
• Ease of maintenance.
• The EUR works equally well in hot and cold weather.
• A car with an electric booster has a sharper reaction to the actions of the driver when high speeds than the same car, but with a hydraulic booster.

• Low power, and therefore this type of power steering is installed only on cars.
• Under adverse driving conditions (for example, a loose dirt road), the EUR may overheat and fail for a short time (until it cools down).
• Very expensive repair.

Conclusion.

Considering all of the above, as well as the fact that the EUR was developed after the GUR in order to eliminate the shortcomings of the latter, we can make an unambiguous conclusion - the EUR is better than the GUR. Well, if you think otherwise, it means that you either haven’t driven a car with an electric booster yet, or you haven’t done it enough. After all, tastes are most often our habits that tend to change, you just need not be afraid to try something new.

Video.

Almost everything modern cars, in particular foreign cars, power steering is installed. Today, there are two types of amplifiers: electric and hydraulic, and each of them has its pros and cons.

Let's see what are the main differences between hydraulic booster and electric power steering. How do they differ, and which one is more reliable. Let's start with the most common type - power steering, that is .

Power steering (GUR).

In the work of power steering, it is used ATF oil, which also applies to automatic boxes gears. The hydraulic booster works like this: under high pressure, the pump pumps oil into the distributor. The task of this distributor consists of monitoring and dosing the forces on the steering wheel. Together with him, the torsion bar installed on the steering shaft works.

So what are the benefits of power steering?

The first advantage is that the power steering is an excellent feedback to the road.

The second advantage of this device is comfort. After all, everyone knows that a car with a hydraulic booster installed in it is much easier to drive. Whatever the speed.

Third, more related to modern amplifiers. They install electric pumps, in which there is no longer a belt drive.

But nothing in this world is perfect, and power steering has its drawbacks.

One of the main disadvantages of GUR is that it requires very careful handling in winter. And if the unexpected happened - the device leaked, you need to immediately fix the malfunction, since the car, with such a breakdown, can no longer be used. Otherwise, the pump that heats the oil may also break. Therefore, immediately go to a car service if this happens.

The next drawback is the need to change the oil after a certain number of kilometers.

If your power steering is a belt type, this increases fuel consumption, as it creates an additional load on the engine.

Dimensions are another drawback. Due to its design, power steering occupies an impressive place under the hood.

Also, the disadvantages of the hydraulic booster include the complexity and high cost of repair and maintenance.

Electric power steering (EUR).

Now, let's move on to the EUR, that is, to the electric power steering. It works with the use of electric current, which is already clear from its name.

Compared to the hydraulic booster, there are no liquids here, the level of which would have to be monitored. The EUR does not work constantly, but only when cornering. It makes less noise, and all work is monitored by sensors.

First of all, the advantages of the electric amplifier include its excellent connection with the road.

The EUR has two modes of use: urban, and for the highway. It is easier to drive a car in city mode. If the device worked in the highway mode, then already at fifty kilometers, it will automatically switch back,

An important advantage of the EUR over the hydraulic booster is that it does not use liquids, which makes it possible not to service it at all.

Since there are no belt structures in the electric amplifier, and it is powered by a generator, this does not create additional loads on the engine.

This device takes up less space under the hood. After all, an electric booster is a much simpler device than a power steering.

Repair of the EUR, although expensive, is not so difficult. Yes, and if a breakdown occurs, you can continue your journey, the steering wheel, however, will become a little harder. But this will not prevent you from calmly reaching your destination, and slowly go to the auto repair shop.

As for the downsides, there is only one. Since electricity is used to power the EUR, a more powerful generator is required for the car.

So, we have analyzed the main differences, as well as the pros and cons of the hydraulic booster and electric power steering. I think the choice is obvious. Over time, the EUR will gradually oust its competitor, which, in principle, is fair.

A modern car is quite complicated. This is due to the fact that a large number of technologies are built into it, which could seem like a fairy tale ten years ago. The topic of discussion in this article is electric and power steering and their comparison based on facts and the opinions of drivers.

Fluid strength

On older models, not electric, but power steering is used. It differs from its counterpart in that here a special liquid acts as the main functional element, which is able to withstand high overloads in pressure and temperature and at the same time not lose its properties.

Both electric and hydraulic power steering are able to facilitate the work of the driver several times, taking over the effort that needs to be applied to. The only difference between a hydraulic booster and an electric one is that there is no electronic part as such, and a special compressor takes on the role of the main equipment.

What is the task of the water pump, which is present in the hydraulic booster and which is not in devices with the prefix "electro"? Imagine what happens when the driver starts turning the steering wheel in any direction. First, the wheel begins to gradually press on a special relay sensor, which is located in the housing. The sensor is triggered and gives a command to the water pump, the turbine of which immediately begins to rotate, forcing pressure into the nozzles.

Due to the pressure, an opposing force is applied to the steering rods, which pushes them in a certain direction. This allows you to remove a significant part of the load from the driver, because to move the steering wheel and, as a result, the wheels in one direction or another, you have to apply much less effort than if there was no amplifier at all.

Electric mechanism

On this moment are widely used in the automotive industry. This is due to the fact that you no longer have to deal with hydraulics, weak point which is tightness, and you can save a significant amount of engine compartment space.

The electric power steering is based on a drive system and artificial intelligence, which can be used to change the characteristics of the electric power steering and various modifications of its properties. For example, the board can be reprogrammed in such a way that the steering wheel rotates easier in place. For those who need to overcome recoil in the steering wheel from ruts and pits or make the steering wheel feel heavy when accelerating, simply write a modified program to the board.

How does electric power steering work? In fact, it consists of only one functional unit, made in the form of a cylindrical body. It contains the elements that are necessary for the proper operation of the entire system.

Usually, the electric booster is built in place of the steering rack and completely replaces it, however, in some cases it is made as a separate functional unit located in the engine compartment.

The electric amplifier must collect big number data, which allows him to change the characteristics dynamically, depending on the increase in speed, driving mode and other quite important parameters. For these reasons, the wires from the electric amplifier go to the speed sensor, speed sensor, gearbox, and even the temperature indicator outside the window.

In this regard, the electric booster is quite popular, gradually leaving its hydraulic counterpart behind.

objective view

Both hydraulic and electric power steering have their advantages and disadvantages. For this reason, both devices are offered as alternatives on most models, and you can choose a specific option based only on your own preferences.

Let's start with hydraulics. This option differs in that it costs much less and turns out to be better in terms of price, since it practically does not contain complex and expensive electronics. This implies the fact that the repair of such a unit will be cheaper, and all spare parts can be found at a much lower price.

It was also not without drawbacks. For example, there is no way to change the software configuration here, and there is no way to change the properties of the power steering and make it better. Even the installation of any additional pipes and reducers that will change the fluid pressure in the system will not help. Also, in winter, the liquid thickens noticeably. In fact, this means that there is no amplification in frost, as such. The amplifier starts working only when the liquid warms up a little.

On old cars such as Moskvich or "penny" steering did not have any auxiliary devices to simplify the driver's efforts to turn the steering wheel.

Those times are gone, and now every car leaving the container is equipped with power steering (electric (EUR) or hydraulic (Power Steering)).

It is worth figuring out which is better: power steering or EUR?

Historical facts

In the old days, the job of a driver was difficult. Turning the steering wheel required a lot of effort from a person. If on passenger car it was even more or less possible, but in the case of freight transport, such a problem was quite acute.

For the first time, Russian designers have equipped a GAZ Chaika car with a hydraulic power steering system. Subsequently, all ordinary mass-produced cars "for the people" began to be equipped with such a system.

A little later, an electric analogue of the power steering was invented. He was supposed to improve the capabilities of the vehicle and not have the shortcomings that the power steering had. At present, the opinions of drivers are divided. Some believe that the electric amplifier met the expectations of engineers and is. Others still believe that the hydraulic system is much better than the EUR. How is it really? What are the design features of the EUR and GUR and how do they differ? We'll figure out.

Power steering and its principle of operation

The power steering is a system that consists of low and high pressure pipelines. Thanks to the installed pump, it circulates in them. In general, the algorithm of work is as follows:

• A high pressure piston pump delivers liquid (oil) to the system. The pump is driven by a crankshaft belt;
• oil is supplied to the distribution mechanism, which is connected to a torsion bar built into the steering shaft. When the steering wheel does not rotate, no oil is supplied to the hydraulic cylinder. But with the beginning of the rotation of the steering wheel, the oil channels open, and the fluid enters the hydraulic cylinder. It is important to note that it is the distributor that is considered the most vulnerable part of the power steering, since it is quite sensitive to the quality of the oil;
• the following happens in the cavity of the hydraulic cylinder: the incoming oil drives the rod and piston, which, in turn, transmit it to the front wheels. As a result, it turns out that the oil transfers energy from the piston pump to the hydraulic cylinder;
• the entire system is closed with connecting hoses. Thanks to this, the oil constantly circulates through the high and low pressure hoses. On one it moves to the hydraulic cylinder, and on the other it returns to the oil tank.

The hydraulic system is quite complex and capricious. It is very important that complete tightness is observed, there is a high-quality filter and the required amount of oil.

The driver certainly needs to monitor the tension of the pump drive belt, the fluid level inside the system and timely replace the filter and oil.

Electric power steering and its principle of operation

The electric power steering is a system in which the following are involved: an electric motor, a torque sensor and a control unit. The system itself is quite compact and powerful compared to power steering. In addition, the EUR analyzes the speed at which the car is moving and the speed of its engine. Due to this, the power of the electric motor at low speeds is maximum, and at high speeds, on the contrary, it is minimal. The algorithm of work is as follows:

• when turning the steering wheel, the sensor registers data on the rotation of the torsion shaft;
• the control unit, after receiving and processing information about engine speed and vehicle speed, starts the electric motor;
• the electric motor makes it as easy as possible to rotate the steering wheel in the desired direction.

It is worth noting that in many cars it is provided for disconnecting the EUR unit from the speed sensor. There is a special button for this. This fact allows the amplifier to work as efficiently as possible.

Advantages and disadvantages of hydraulic booster

The following advantages of GUR can be distinguished:

• it provides comfortable work of the driver at any speed of movement;
• the system withstands any load, is powerful enough to work effectively on trucks and SUVs;
• the production of hydraulic mechanisms is cheaper than the manufacture of the EUR, and therefore vehicles equipped with power steering are much cheaper.

Among the disadvantages of hydraulics are the bulkiness of the system, attention to it during operation, timely diagnostics and preventive measures, as well as its dependence on the engine, which leads to a certain waste of its power. In addition, the system does not immediately respond to.

Advantages and disadvantages of an electric amplifier

It is worth noting the following advantages of the electric amplifier:

• the presence of several modes of application;
• profitability;
• compactness;
• neither sweltering heat nor severe frosts affect the performance of the system;
• ease of maintenance;
• responsiveness to the actions of the driver.

The power of this type of power steering is insufficient to install it on trucks and SUVs. Failure of the device threatens to result in costly repairs or a complete replacement of the mechanism.

Comparative analysis of power steering and EUR

Of course, each driver has his own preferences both in the brand of the car and in the type of steering. If we compare the two systems, then the power steering is a simpler device that does not depend on electronic control. It has no software failures and does not overheat on a country road.

However, such a system requires the purchase and their periodic replacement: oil, filter, hoses and gaskets. This is due to the fact that numerous joints and seals are subject to high loads, as a result of which they wear out. It is important to timely diagnose the state of the power steering system and take preventive actions to maintain its performance.

Electric amplifiers do not need consumables, they do not have connections that can disable the system. This makes such devices more progressive and reliable.

In terms of ease of operation, hydraulics provide the best feedback and on steep turns to feel the limits of transport capabilities. Power steering does not respond to shock and vibration on a bad road.

The EUR requires the installation of a special damper capable of. Vibrations and shock loads make the electrical system vulnerable and can lead to a reduction in its service life.

In terms of reliability and efficiency, the hydraulic system is not capable of withstanding long-term operation in extreme conditions. The steering wheel should not be in the extreme position for more than 10-15 seconds. Otherwise, the node will overheat and shut down. It will take time to restart. Also, the use of hydraulics implies some loss of engine power.

The EUR create only an additional load on the generator and do not take power from the engine and do not spend additional fuel. The system also reacts absolutely calmly to prolonged operation in the extreme position of the steering wheel. The electric motor is turned off only when driving off-road, viscous snow and bumps.

The advantage of the EUR can also be called the presence of several modes of operation:

• normal;
• comfortable;
• track;
• sports.

The settings are pretty easy to change on the go. To do this, just press a special button and select the desired mode.

If we talk about the use of power steering, then power steering can be installed on almost any car. But the EUR has limited torque and cannot be installed on trucks, SUVs and large executive limousines.

It is not recommended to install EUR on SUVs

Summing up, it is worth noting that the EUR was created in order to eliminate the shortcomings of the power steering, although this system is not unambiguously better and more efficient. It also has its drawbacks, the main of which is the impossibility of using the EUR on SUVs and trucks.

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Some of our compatriots remember how hard the steering wheel was on older models, especially at low speeds or when starting, parking, when the stopped car had to be directed in one direction. Today, fortunately, there are no such problems, all modern cars are equipped with power steering, which can be hydraulic or electric (power steering, EUR). How are they fundamentally different, and what are the pros and cons relative to each other?

What is better power steering or electric power steering

Design

Fundamental design differences are visible even from the names of the systems. hydraulic booster works thanks to a pump driven by the engine, which maintains the proper pressure in the steering system. At the slightest turn of the steering wheel on either side, the hydraulic actuator immediately picks up this movement and begins to push the steering shaft in the right direction. When changing direction, the hydraulic drive also changes force in the other direction. When the steering wheel is at zero, the drive does not press anywhere.

The electric power steering, in turn, consists of, in fact, an electric motor that is mounted on a shaft and moves it, and various electronics and sensors that control the electric motor. Depending on what the sensor, which monitors the slightest turns of the steering wheel, signals, the electric motor instantly reacts and turns the shaft in the right direction.

Differences between hydraulic and electric power steering

What's better

The question is probably incorrect in this formulation, since in different situations, For different machines either option is preferable. The power steering is considered a more powerful device that can be equipped with powerful cars, as well as trucks. The EUR is economical, more compact, the design is lightweight. In addition, the EUR is devoid of any sewer (from the word channel) hydraulic lotions in the form of various hoses, tubes, connections that leak, depressurize, filters become clogged, and so on. But power steering is cheaper to manufacture, besides, it is easier to repair it in case of failure than an electric booster.

Which power steering to choose

As for comfort and differences in operation, for the driver the EUR will seem more responsive, and with an electric booster, you can even adjust the degree of responsiveness to the actions of the driver, adjust it for yourself. That is why the EUR is used on all cars with an unmanned driving system. Power Steering, on the other hand, can provide the driver with almost natural responsiveness, the whole road on the steering wheel is felt, just much easier. The power steering is also less prone to problems when shaking on a bad road. Electric amplifier from strong vibration can easily become unusable.