Which is better - power steering or electric power steering? Advantages and disadvantages of GUR and ESD

Reading into the list of options for each of the car's complete sets, you can often find such a mechanism as the power steering. However, on some cars it is listed as GUR, and on others - as EUR. "Kalina" is also equipped with a similar amplifier. How does it work and what are both types of mechanisms? All the pros and cons of the power steering and electric power steering, the principle of operation - later in this article.

Characteristics of the GUR

This type of amplifier appeared much earlier than the electric one. GUR is an element of the steering control of a car that operates with a fluid drive. Despite the growing popularity of the ERA (VAZ is also equipped with them), GUR is the most common amplifier. Structurally, this unit contains a hydraulic pump. It is driven by a crankshaft via a belt drive. How it looks, the reader can see in the photo below.

Below we consider the algorithm for the operation of this system.

How does the GUR work?

As we noted earlier, this unit operates on the basis of a hydraulic fluid. So, during the rectilinear movement, the circulation of the liquid is made in a circle. That is, it passes through the channels from the pump to the tank. However, as soon as the trajectory changes (the driver turns the steering wheel), the liquid enters one of the cavities of the distribution sleeve. Depending on the turn of the rudder, it enters the left or the right part of it. From the other cavity, the liquid merges into the tank. So, the piston ensures the movement of the steering rack mechanism. The force from the rotation is transmitted to the rods.

This changes the direction of the car. The highest pump output is observed when the steering wheel is rotated in place (that is, when parking in a restricted area). However, the system is driven by a belt drive from the crankshaft. But its speed during parking is minimal and close to idle. Accordingly, the force produced by the pump is not sufficient to turn the rudder. What to do? Do not podgazovyvat to cut off? The manufacturer took this moment into account. Therefore, in such situations, the electronic control unit signals the additional opening of the valves. Thus, more liquid enters the power cylinder of the steering rack. Therefore, "in place" to rotate the steering wheel will be very easy. But do not get carried away - remember that at this point the pump is running at full speed. Frequent twisting of the steering wheel "up to the stop" in the parking lot reduces its life.

EUR: characteristic

This type of amplifiers appeared much later. However, recently it is beginning to gain high popularity. The main difference of the ERA is the absence of belt transmission and hydraulic drive. All actions are carried out with the help of an electric motor.

Features of the design, the principle of operation

For today, there are two types of layout of this node. In the first case, the force of the electric motor is transmitted to the rail. In the second - on the shaft of the steering wheel. The first type of electric amplifiers is most popular. It is also called electromechanical. The design uses two gears with a parallel drive.

The ERA is integrated in one block with the steering mechanism. Type of electric motor - asynchronous. How does this mechanism work? The torque is transmitted directly to the rail from the motor. Also on the rack mechanism are provided two parts of the teeth.

The ERS system consists of a number of sensors. These include the steering angle element, the torque sensor, the crankshaft speed and the vehicle's own speed. The mechanism closely interacts with the ABS control unit and the vehicle ECU.

After processing the information from the above sensors, the embedded program generates a corresponding signal to the actuator. It is an asynchronous electric motor.

Operating modes of the electric booster

The steering operation can be performed in several modes:

• Active recovery of the rudder to the middle position.
• Turn the car at high and low speed.
• Support for the average steering position.
• Turn the car in normal conditions.

As in the case of the GUR, wheel steering is carried out by the wheel. However, here the effort is transmitted through the torsion bar. The twist of the latter is measured by the corresponding sensors (angle of rotation, torque, etc.). So, the effort from the engine is transferred to the rail. Then, through the steering rods, the driving wheels rotate in the desired direction. The operation of the assembly does not depend on the position and speed of the crankshaft.

Pros of the GUR

So, what is better - power steering or electric power steering? Both of these nodes have their pros and cons. But first, let's consider a system with a hydraulic drive. GUR - cheaper in production mechanism. Accordingly, the cost of the car is an order of magnitude lower.

Plus everything - cheap repair of the hydraulic booster (if it's not a rake). At disassembly, the power-steering pump for the ninth "Lancer" costs 2-3 thousand rubles. And it is already available for sale, with a pulley (but without a belt).

The disadvantages of the hydraulic amplifier

Considering the question: what is better - power steering or power steering, it is worth mentioning about the shortcomings. There are an order of magnitude more. The first minus is the size of the structure. GUR - rather bulky thing. The pump, pulleys, tank and belt take up a lot of free space. Plus to all the complicated repair of the timing. To replace the belt on it, you need to remove the pulley first from the GUR. Fortunately, the hydraulic pump remains in place.

If you choose between what is better - GUR or ESD for your car, it is worth considering the maintenance of this node. And here there are some nuances. The GUR system requires periodic maintenance. If you do not change the fluid or belt in time, you will need to repair the hydraulic booster.

It is also unacceptably long to use the mechanism in the mode of increased loads. Because of this, liquid quickly boils. Until the stop, the steering wheel should be unscrewed for no more than five seconds.

The next drawback is the system's dependence on engine performance. The unit hides the power of the motor, as it takes some of the force from the crankshaft by means of a belt drive. The same can be said about the air conditioner, which also works from this pulley. Therefore, in view of the cumbersome design and other shortcomings, the GUR can now be found only on off-road vehicles and on commercial vehicles. But why it is impossible to put EUR in trucks? This you will learn a little later.

Pros and cons of the ERM

Hurrying to answer the above question, we note the shortcomings of the ERM. "Kalina" is equipped with such a mechanism due to small wheels. What's all this for? The fact is that the electric amplifier is not able to produce the right torque for turning large wheels (especially under load above). In view of this, the unit is not used in trucks and transport with a mass of more than two tons.

This is the main drawback of the ERM. Which is better - power steering or electric power steering? To answer this question, let's consider the advantages of the latter. They are an order of magnitude greater than the shortcomings. So, the mechanism does not take power from the engine. At high speeds, the steering wheel is quite informative with it. The system does not require periodic maintenance, because there is no liquid and no pumps. The only thing that eventually breaks down is the rolling bearings in the electric motor. But to get them out of the working state, it takes a long and hard work to exploit the ERM. The VAZ, equipped with such an amplifier, responds to the steering wheel much quicker. After all, the signal from the sensors is transmitted lightning fast. And the pump needs time to develop the necessary pressure and pour the fluid from one circuit to another.

Also, answering the question: "What is better - power steering or electric power steering?", It is worth noting the compactness of the latter. The ERA does not take up much space in the engine compartment (because it is more hidden in the cabin). Accordingly, it will be much easier to get to a node. And through the computer, you can adjust the operating mode of the amplifier. Also the system does not boil if you hold the steering wheel long in the extreme position.

Summing up

So, what is better - power steering or electric power steering? Having ascertained all the advantages and disadvantages of both systems, we came to the following conclusion. If it is a car or a crossover, you should definitely choose an electric amplifier. Well, on a heavier technique, the hydraulic element is still relevant. Although progress does not stand still, and, possibly, in the future, the ERM will be used in jeeps as well as in trucks.