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We are now able to share the following regarding the steering system for the JL and JLU.
The JL/JLU will feature Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering and the Sahara & Rubicon models will feature Telescope/Tilt Steering Column.
Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering
The goal of an electro-hydraulic power steering system (EHPS) is to combine the advantages of both hydraulic power steering and electric power steering -- natural steering feel and improved fuel efficiency.
The difference between EHPS and hydraulic steering lies in how the hydraulic pressure is generated. Where traditional hydraulic systems generate pressure with a belt-driven pump, EHPS use electric motors.
With EHPS, improved fuel efficiency can be achieved by activating the steering motor only when the driver is steering. Also, the system draws power from an electric motor and not the engine directly.
Another added advantage to EHPS over hydraulic system is that the electric motor is operated and controlled by the ECU unit which controls the motor very precisely by accurately monitoring the steering force, vehicle speed and steering angle. This advantage could potentially have a side benefit to JL/JLU Wrangler owners who upsize their tires. On past Wranglers, the larger the tire size upgrade, the more difficult and less responsive the steering became. With an adaptive ECU controlling the steering motor's level of power assist however, it's possible that the system may help mitigate against the negative steering characteristics from upsizing tires.
How does EHPS compare to a fully electric power steering (EPS) system? Unlike EHPS, EPS doesn’t use any form of hydraulic pressure to provide steering assistance. With EPS, the technology is fully electronic, so it uses an electric motor to provide direct assistance. Since there is no power lost generating and transmitting hydraulic power, these systems are typically more efficient than either hydraulic or electro-hydraulic steering.
Telescope/Tilt Steering Column
The current JK/JKU Wrangler features a tilting steering wheel, but the JL/JLU Wrangler will feature a telescoping (and tilting) steering wheel column for the first time. This feature should be very welcomed by both taller and shorter drivers.
Here is a look at the new telescoping steering wheel/column from the previously posted interior spy photos.
The JL/JLU will feature Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering and the Sahara & Rubicon models will feature Telescope/Tilt Steering Column.
Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering
The goal of an electro-hydraulic power steering system (EHPS) is to combine the advantages of both hydraulic power steering and electric power steering -- natural steering feel and improved fuel efficiency.
The difference between EHPS and hydraulic steering lies in how the hydraulic pressure is generated. Where traditional hydraulic systems generate pressure with a belt-driven pump, EHPS use electric motors.
With EHPS, improved fuel efficiency can be achieved by activating the steering motor only when the driver is steering. Also, the system draws power from an electric motor and not the engine directly.
Another added advantage to EHPS over hydraulic system is that the electric motor is operated and controlled by the ECU unit which controls the motor very precisely by accurately monitoring the steering force, vehicle speed and steering angle. This advantage could potentially have a side benefit to JL/JLU Wrangler owners who upsize their tires. On past Wranglers, the larger the tire size upgrade, the more difficult and less responsive the steering became. With an adaptive ECU controlling the steering motor's level of power assist however, it's possible that the system may help mitigate against the negative steering characteristics from upsizing tires.
How does EHPS compare to a fully electric power steering (EPS) system? Unlike EHPS, EPS doesn’t use any form of hydraulic pressure to provide steering assistance. With EPS, the technology is fully electronic, so it uses an electric motor to provide direct assistance. Since there is no power lost generating and transmitting hydraulic power, these systems are typically more efficient than either hydraulic or electro-hydraulic steering.
Telescope/Tilt Steering Column
The current JK/JKU Wrangler features a tilting steering wheel, but the JL/JLU Wrangler will feature a telescoping (and tilting) steering wheel column for the first time. This feature should be very welcomed by both taller and shorter drivers.
Here is a look at the new telescoping steering wheel/column from the previously posted interior spy photos.
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