More and more vehicle classes are switching over to electromechanical steering from the prevalent traditional hydraulic power steering systems. New technical trends include rear axle steering systems. ZF is a driving force behind all of these innovations and makes its knowledge accessible to the aftermarket.
With numerous benefits over and above its predecessor, EPS has become the industry standard in vehicles rolling off the production line. But in the meantime, power steering systems are no longer solely responsible for comfort, but are an integral part of the driving safety concept and an essential prerequisite for assisted and, in the future, automated driving functions.
These functions are only possible with Electric Power Steering systems that can generate steering torque independently of the driver. And this design has another advantage: it saves energy because it only requires electricity when a steering movement is actually being performed. For these two reasons, electromechanical power steering has now established itself in virtually all passenger car segments. Even heavy SUVs and sedans as well as vans are increasingly equipped with this steering design.
Automotive workshops therefore need more and more electronic expertise to work on steering systems. This already starts with troubleshooting. After all, steering failure can also be caused by faults in other vehicle components, such as fluctuations in the power supply. Automotive mechatronics technicians should therefore check the electrical connections, ground points, battery and alternator power before replacing the steering gear. Sensors or control units on the vehicle that communicate with the steering system can also be the root cause of faults or failures. So, these should also be checked, especially if the fault diagnosis is not clear.