Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Description And Operation
DESCRIPTION
The Electric Power Steering (EPS) system consists of these major components:
| 1. | Electric Power Steering (EPS) Motor - Integral to the upper steering column |
| 2. | Steering Wheel |
| 3. | Electric Power Steering (EPS) Module - Integral to the EPS motor |
| 4. | Intermediate Shaft |
| 5. | Outer Tie Rod End |
| 6. | Inner Tie Rod End |
| 7. | Steering Gear |
OPERATION
Turning of the steering wheel is converted into linear (side-to-side) travel through the meshing of the helical pinion teeth with the rack teeth within the steering gear. The lateral travel pushes and pulls the tie rods to change the direction of the vehicle's front wheels.
Power assist steering is provided by an electric motor connected to the steering column. The EPS system provides variable assist for steering maneuvers based on several inputs, including vehicle speed, Steering Angle Sensor (SAS), and battery voltage.
The EPS system communicates over the Controller Area Network - Chassis (CAN-C) data bus. The steering angle sensor is internal to the EPS column and outputs the SAS position to other modules. The steering column is designed to be serviced only as a complete assembly if an internal component is found to be defective.
Manual steering control of the vehicle can be maintained if power steering assist is lost. However, under this condition, steering effort is significantly increased.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.