Why You Must Always Choose High-Quality Power Steering Hose
For a vehicle to turn around a sharp corner at relatively low speed, considerable force must be applied to the steering gear. In the old days, the driver would have to overcome this issue using brute force, but today a sophisticated power steering system takes over. Yet this system is only as strong as its component parts, and the driver will need to ensure that they are always in good condition. Why should you pay particular attention to the hoses that connect everything up?
Overcoming Resistance
Just imagine how much resistance you would need to overcome without power steering. To begin with, the wheel and tyre combination is attached to the loaded suspension strut and, together, they represent a very heavy weight. At the same time, the rubber tyre will have to overcome a lot of resistance from the road surface and the force of gravity.
PAS in Action
Conventional power steering takes care of all of this, and the system relies on hydraulic pressure to augment the efforts of the driver. When he or she turns the steering wheel in a certain way, sensors detect the instruction and hydraulic fluid is sent through the steering mechanism, applying a force in the direction of travel. This fluid is pressurised by the power steering pump, which is driven by the engine, and the fluid needs to travel through a network of rubber hoses.
Hose Damage
These hoses may often represent the weak link in the process, as they are flexible and often unprotected and can pick up damage from road debris. They may also begin to perish after a certain amount of time due to heat or humidity, and if they do so, the fluid can leak out.
Pressure Problems
This problem can be exacerbated when the vehicle is in motion, especially when it comes to the high-pressure hoses that carry the outbound fluid. This oil has to be highly pressurised in order to provide the right amount of force, and if the hose itself is compromised, then problems can ensue. Of course, the hoses in the return circuit are equally as important, as the fluid needs to flow back to the chamber to be pressurised again but they will typically last longer than the other.
Quality Products
If you find that your hydraulic hoses are leaking, you will, of course, need to replace them as soon as possible. Make sure that you only choose reinforced hoses that have been built to withstand the highest pressure if you are to avoid a repeat of the process in the near future.