Automobile power steering has hydraulic system de-activated when at rest in favour of electrically powered system

摘要

A hybrid automotive power steering system (1) has a hydraulic system (11) and an electrically-powered (12) system. A control unit (6) regulates operation of the hydraulic and electrical systems in accordance with the vehicle current mode of operation e.g. low-speed or high-speed road conditions. When the vehicle is at rest the hydraulic system is de-activated by the control system and the electrical system switches to a stand-by mode.