Hydraulic vs Electric Power steering

Hi,

What's the difference between Hydraulic & Eletronic Power steering? Do vehicles having electronic power steering give better Fuel Economy?

If a car has Hydraulic Power steering, could it be converted to have the Electronic one. I see that the Maruti cars have the Electronic one. So does that mean that only certain category cars (maybe lighter i am not sure) can have Electronic Power Steering?

Any information on this would be great help.

Thanks,

Bhushan

Bhushan,

Please read this and this discussion for more information on power steering types.

Theoritically it is possible to modify a hydraulic power steering to electric but since your prime concern is fuel economy, practically it is not feasible. For a mere 5-8% increase in fuel economy, you would never want to spend a few ten-thousands, would you? The modification cost cannot be recovered from savings in fuel bills.

The best idea is, sell off your hydraulic operated power steering car and buy an EPS one.



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yes.... nice advice...

 

infact i vividly remember this question was asked in Carwale-answers also....n the answer u had given there was very VERY helpful.

Thanks. This was absolutely great information in the post provided by you. Car selection just got more clearer.

EPS is much better than HPS. The hydraulic steering system in your car siphons off somewhere between one to three miles per gallon from your vehicle's performance and consumes more energy than your car's air conditioner? In fact, it's the third highest energy-loss mechanism in your car, following wind resistance and road friction. 
Many techniques result in reduced vehicle performance, replacing your three- to five-horsepower steering pump and its associated bulky hydraulics with an electric motor is one enhancement that actually improves performance.


Happy Driving.

if hydraulic is inferior to EPS , is there any reason why Accord, a more expensive car, has HPS  system while Civil, the cheaper of the two, has EPS .

 

 

well...i never notices dat....

so,ne answers to Gokuls question,buddies ???...

It's all about technology, my friend. Being expensive than Civic doesn't conclude that Accord is technically better too. Civic is much better a car than Accord, astonishing interiors is one such example.

We should also consider segment/class of cars being compared. Hyundai Santro and Honda Accord both have hydraulic power steering but are both the cars similar as far as steering is concerned?

The fact is, EPS is contemporary and HPS is a thing of yore, no matter how good HPS performs in a particular car.


CarWale Android App is launched. Download by searching for CarWale in Android Market on your phone or using this link: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.carwale

thank you my friend for your explanation.

yes...very well said Ban.

n abt the Civic...yes the interior also includes the very Stylish cockpit......   whivh sports a digi-speedometer....  (even Accord owners envy the Civic for THAT particular feature)