What Are The Possible Causes Of EPS Malfunction? Know Here

Nowadays, all the automobile companies have started manufacturing cars with Electronic Power Steering or EPS, while some companies still use Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS). An electric-powered steering is much more advantageous than traditional ones. The EPS works with an electric motor attached to the steering and column drive to turn the car swiftly. The control unit of these motors features with few sensors connected to the vehicle’s electric power. In hydraulic steering, a lot of force is required to move the wheels whereas; things are a little different with the electric steering. But, sometimes EPS malfunction takes place because of some damage inside the steering wheel or arch.

Let’s find out some reasons why EPS breakdown takes place.

How Does Electric Power Steering Work?

Developed as an important turning point in the automotive industry, the EPS proved to be significantly superior in performance compared to the other two power steering systems. Currently, EPS is commonly equipped on most new car models on the market.

EPS – Electric Power Steering is a system that is responsible for creating auxiliary forces acting on the steering actuator (with an intelligent system that uses an electric motor to draw power from the vehicle’s electrical system and assist in steering control)  in order to maintain or change the direction of vehicle movement. The EPS system makes steering easier, simpler, and smoother when steering, moving at low speeds, or turning 90 degrees. 

To do this, the system has used a torque sensor located on the steering shaft, from which the signal is sent about the steering angle to the ECU for calculation and processing. The system then sends the appropriate current to the electric motor, pushing the rack of the steering system. Thanks to that, it is easy to rotate the steering wheel shaft in the desired direction of the driver.

Compared with the models using hydraulic power steering, the EPS system has many outstanding advantages:

• The EPS system has a simple structure and is also lighter weight than the hydraulic power steering system. Therefore, installation and repair are also easier and faster.
• In particular, this system does not use the power of the engine when operating. Instead, they use an electric motor to push the steering rack when the car is steered. As a result, the system will help the vehicle save fuel effectively when operating.
• In addition, the electric power steering system also helps your car be smooth when the car is running at low speed. This gives car owners a feeling of safety and stability when driving the car on every journey. The hydraulic power steering system is the opposite, but the speed of returning the steering wheel to the center is faster, making it easy to move the car straight.

What Is EPS Malfunction And Why Does It Occur?

When the steering wheel gets struck or disengages from the electric motor, EPS malfunctioning occurs. It usually happens because of the rust and water inside the arch or aging of the tightening rubbers. The Electric Power Steering works on an electric motor attached to the wheel axle to turn the car. But, the rubbers and motor get damaged after a certain period due to aging or by other means.

Let’s talk about the reasons that cause EPS malfunction

1. Speed vs. bumpy roads

Driving at a higher speed over rough roads is another way to EPS malfunction. If one really wants to preserve the EPS system, then slowing down the car on rough roads would be the ultimate choice. In addition, the tightened rubber rings also get loose with overspeed on the bumpy roads. One can easily notify the rusty steering arch if it starts making noises when turned. So, you must slow down the car while driving on rough roads to treat your car with great care.

Read more:

• Wondering why are steering wheels Circular? Know Here
• What to do when Power Steering Stops Working? The Complete Guide

2. Too much water – flooded roads

One must avoid going through the watery roads to stay away from EPS damage. This is because the electric motor of EPS is connected with the arch and it comes in direct contact with the water. The water can damage the electric motor in no time and you have to face the stuck EPS. The big catch about electric motor and arch is that it is non-repairable and one has to replace it with the new one.

So, now you might wonder how to fix electric power steering problems? Here is the answer. Most car companies install electric motors and related stuff inside the car cabin to avoid these dilemmas, which is a great approach. One can refer to maintenance tips from professionals for more info.

3.  Aging of the EPS system

One must not forget to replace the aged parts of the EPS system from time to time for proper care of the vehicle. When the steering starts making unusual noises or the EPS car light starts blinking, it’s time to inspect the entire system properly. The suitable age of the EPS system is five years and one must take care of it on time. This is quite helpful to protect the EPS system from malfunctioning.

Know more about the function of the EPS in the video:

The Final Words

All in all, these were some of the reasons that caused EPS malfunction. So, take care of these issues and stay away from any troubles that might occur later on while driving.