Electronic Power Steering

[Smoky14]

I just got a new Ford Fusion and would like to know how the power steering works. Is there fluid involved, I ask this because Redline lists a P/S fluid for this model but I see no service instructions in the owners manual.

Yes I'm one of those guys who just needs to know.
Thanks Guys
Smoky

 

[ARCOgraphite]

No Fluid - but maybe some lifetime grease on the rack and joints.
This TRW is probably a Fiesta rack or similar:

http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2010/06/ford-to-use-trw-electric-power-steering-in-europe/

 

[Dave Sherman]

Yes, according to Ford, the Fusion uses electric power steering.

http://www.ford.com/cars/fusion/specifications/chassis/

 

[Corvette Owner]

I had a 2004 Malibu Maxx with electronic power assist steering. Some people have experienced this "go off" and then be reset, I never had this problem. I did take the new car back to the Dealer because my Wife and Daughter complained about the car wandering. They said alignment was okay, but that it was probably just the feel of the new electronic power assist steering. I just though the steering was too overpowered, no feeling. It felt like a video game steering.

My Neice has a Mazda 3 with electric steering and has had that cut off on her. Others had that problem also.

I know that a lot of cars are going to this, as it gives better gas mileage, just hope they prove reliable.

 

[MrHorspwer]

There are two general types of electric power steering systems. One locates the assist motor in the column and provides assist on the steering shaft. The other is a rack mounted unit, that provides assist on the rack instead of the shaft.

GM used the column type system on a number of vehicles and really gave it a bad rap. Overassisted, numb, and somewhat problematic.

The more recent rack-mounted assist systems are much better. Because they're not providing artifical assist on the shaft, it provides a much less numb feeling. As noted above, this is likely what your Fusion is equipped with.

A quick google search reveals that for some MY vehicles, the Fusion Sport used hydraulic assist steering. That may be why Redline is providing an application for the Fusion.

 

[SwampDweller]

I have 2 vehicles with this set up now. Wife's 2012 Mustang and my 2011 F150/XLT. I am hard pressed to tell the difference between these and other cars with hydraulic assist. Not that there isn't any, just not that is obvious to me.

 

[RoGuE]

I love the EPS in my Malibu. Decent at high speeds, and wonderful in a parking lot at really slow speeds, I can turn it with my pinky finger.

 

[91344George]

I can definitely tell the difference between an electric assist and hydraulic assist steering box. Without exception the electric is lighter feelin, more numb, (lacks tactile feedback) and feels artificial .

I would never choose electric steering over hydraulic.

 

[Nick R]

I love the eps in my cruze . It is by far and away better than the hydraulic setup in either our nox, or our previous cars. It does not have the most feedback but is much smoother, and low effort at slow speeds. The low effort around town and in parking lots is very very nice. Not all eps is created equal just as not all Hps is created equal.