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Power steering pump: Heart of Mercedes Drive Train
by Dwyane Thomas
The Mercedes-Benz' drive train is the driver's link to the vehicle. It allows the driver to hold a tight rein on the engine. Composed of the car transmission and steering assemblies, the drive train facilitates the flow of horsepower from the engine to the wheels. Like in most assemblies, a large part of individual drive train parts depend on hydraulic pressure to operate. So that the driver's input on the drive train produces a corresponding amount of horsepower transfer, as in the case of the clutch pedal, the foot pressure is transmitted in the assembly in the form of hydraulic pressure. When the clutch pedal is pressed, the master cylinder in the transmission lets out hydraulic fluid to operate adjacent assembly parts.
The steering parts of the assembly also operate on hydraulic pressure. Compared to conventional steering system, the Mercedes-Benz power steering system makes steering effort less hard and eases driver fatigue. This is because the Mercedes-Benz drive train is oiled by hydraulic fluid from the power steering pump. Depending on drive applications, the Mercedes power steering pump pressurizes the hydraulic fluid to supply lubrication to all of the individual parts of the steering system. The harder the drive application, the more the power steering pump boosts the hydraulic fluid.
The hydraulic fluid tank of the Mercedes-Benz power steering pump is located at the pump itself. Other Mercedes power steering systems mount the hydraulic fluid tank remotely, in order that the fluid is spared from the harsh condition under the hood. From the pump, the hydraulic fluids are charged and injected via the power steering hose. For the hydraulic fluids to reach every individual part of the Acura drive train, they circulate in the system bearing up to 1,300 psi of boost.
As the steering rack moves the wheels, the master cylinder injects hydraulic fluid in the system. When converted hydraulically, the driver's input does not have to be too much to control the Mercedes-Benz drive train. The hydraulic fluid also lubricates the parts of the vehicle's drive train to ensure a smooth operation. In most cases, dismal lubrication makes the steering wheel heavy, and puts the steering rack at risk of deterioration. This often leads to imprecise steering.
With a reliable supply of good-quality hydraulic fluid, various parts of the steering system are integrated to work as one well-oiled whole. Mercedes-Benz drive train requires that the hydraulic fluid in the steering system is compatible with hoses and seals. In most cases, the fluid must correspond to the automatic transmission system of the Mercedes-Benz. It is recommended that compatibility among the hydraulic fluid and the power steering pump is maintained to prevent a potential fouling up of the steering system.
Collectively, the Mercedes-Benz steering system provides the drive train with a variable-assist assembly. It gives more assistance at cruise speeds and less during highway speeds. These varying levels of assistance that the Mercedes-Benz power steering pump offers are important in reducing over-steer in possible emergency situations. The Mercedes power steering pump is driven by a conveyor belt attached to the engine, so that the corresponding boost can be determined for differing drive applications.
About the Author
Dwyane Thomas is a part time cook and full-time auto-enthusiast. This 31-year old Civil and Environmental graduate is a consultant at one of the engineering firms in Pennsylvania.
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