The Heart of Steering System

Power steering pump, the so called heart of steering system, is what enables the vehicle to turn and steer with minimal effort. The key to such efficiency is all about Hydraulic Pressure and RPM (Revoloution Per Minute) performance, as for how to tell if you are getting a good quality one ? Simply put, the quieter NVH( Noise, vibration, and harshness), the better.

But the question is, with a great variety brands for power steering pump online, how to make sure the listing that you’re browsing now is bang for your buck? Well, it’s actually easier than you may have thought, in this article we will show you 2 important criterias of how good quality power steering pump is made.

Tech Hack 1. The Seals

The whole mechanism of power steering pump starts from creating the proper hydraulic pressure, therefore make sure the pump’s seals withstand maximum pressure up to 25 MPa (~3626Psi) and operating temperature from −40°C to 250°C is crucial. Following the increasing rotation, the temerature and pressure rises too, and in most scenarios, inferior rubber seal will begin to deteriorate and cause premature leaks.

Tech Hack 2. OE Dimension Tolerance and P6 Grade Bearing

A functional power steering pump must rotate up to 7,500 rpm, and to reach higher rpms means the efficiency in volumetric and thermal is necessary.

The closer tolernces to OE design dimension will directly effect the percentrage of volumetric and thermal efficiency , so it’s always recommended to have a thorough examination in dimension and shape of the AM replacement with your OE one.

And in terms of RPM performance, make sure the bearing of your replacement must reach at least ISO class 6 tolerance (P6) which can sustain the high operating temperature and pressure.

With the 2 main criterias fulfilled, you can easily find the reult of NVH performance has a significant difference, and most importantly, the noises, overheating, stiff or loose steering will no longer exist.