Dumb Power Steering Question

[Vash]

Why is that suprising?

The fatter tires take a lot more energy. Lower profile also takes more energy, they are stiffer.

The electric costs more to get that much power required. Probably could pull it off with the LS and 18's with the speed limiter. But if you used that malibu in a car that's gonna hit the track with race tires it would probably smoke (overheat).

The hydraulic get's very hot as it is that's why it has it's own cooler.

There is no negative to this. This car is not a malibu or volt. Wait till Camaro 6...

[kmdrum79]

Originally Posted by theholycow

Electric is more efficient, keeps working if the engine stalls, is way easy to adjust (you can hook a computer to a VW to change the steering feel), is great for speed-sensitive steering, is simple and maintenance-free.

Hydraulic is classic technology that everyone is familiar/comfortable with, is available in off-the-shelf parts for large/heavy vehicles, works if the engine is running but electricity is unavailable (not going to happen on a modern car, computer needs electricity to keep it running), and may still be cheaper.

I'm surprised, I thought it would have the Malibu's electric power steering.

My G6 GTP has the hydraulic steering and it is the only thing that I love on my car. Has wonderful road feel. I actually got a base G6 as a loaner car when my car was in the shop and it had the electric but it handled like crap. It was numb and way too loose.

[theholycow]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that electric is the better choice for this car, not at all. I am just surprised, I was expecting it to be in every new model because it's the latest technology and helps them meet CAFE requirements. It appeared to be a trend for a while.

As for being loose/numb/handling badly, perhaps GM's electric power steering needs work. Like I said, it's decent on my VW, and also easily adjustable for those who don't like the way it is.

Speaking of which, is there a way to adjust hydraulic power steering? For example, adjust the amount of assist, or adjust centering effort, etc...

[Vash]

Originally Posted by CamaroSpike23

manual rack.

I just sold my 1984 RX7 last month. Probably the last car i'll ever drive or own with manual. The guy buying it was like "hey the ps is broken".

I said "no silly these are manual steering" (except a few GSL-SE's in 84-85).

[CamaroSpike23]

Originally Posted by Vash

I just sold my 1984 RX7 last month. Probably the last car i'll ever drive or own with manual. The guy buying it was like "hey the ps is broken".

I said "no silly these are manual steering" (except a few GSL-SE's in 84-85).