Verified: Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering and Telescoping Steering Column

[MLPP]

Why would Jeep opt for the hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering over the newer Electric Power Steering systems?

As mentioned in the first post summary of EHPS systems, they may have gone with EHPS over full EPS for a more natural steering feel. Full EPS systems tend to have the least steering feel compared to hydraulic and EHPS.

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[jeepney123]

An excellent write-up on EHPS and its acclaimed advantages concerning fuel consumption.

http://articles.sae.org/14136/

 

[four low]

After reading that link, the complexity and need for accumulator tanks, valves, solenoids, makes the fuel savings moot.
It's a study done in China , university researchers. The real-world testing is yet to come.
The most immediately promising power steering set up is the Magnetic Clutch engagement for hyraulic boost when needed

 

[JeepFun#18]

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.

I have 260 miles on my new 2018 Wrangler JLU and the steering is awful, major disappointment. When driving on the highway it just wants to dart to the left or right you have to constantly adjust. My 2015 JKU did not have this issue and the steering was great.

 

[WXman]

I have 260 miles on my new 2018 Wrangler JLU and the steering is awful, major disappointment. When driving on the highway it just wants to dart to the left or right you have to constantly adjust. My 2015 JKU did not have this issue and the steering was great.

If we made a list of forum members who've experienced what you describe, it would be a very long list. If I had enough time, I would compile one.

I find it interesting that media reviews have praised the new steering setup, while in the real world it's the worst we've ever seen on a Wrangler.

 

[Jeepsterfreak]

If we made a list of forum members who've experienced what you describe, it would be a very long list. If I had enough time, I would compile one.

I find it interesting that media reviews have praised the new steering setup, while in the real world it's the worst we've ever seen on a Wrangler.

Thanks to this forum I now have a check list when shopping JLs on the lot. Adding “bring tire pressure gauge” and checking psi before test driving.

 

[NavyVet1959]

I wonder if the new electro-hydraulic power steering system will work with the hydraulic winches that run off of the power steering pump. I have a MileMarker 12,000 lb hydraulic winch that I took off of my XJ before I got rid of it around 7 years ago. I never got around to putting it on my Ram truck, but when my JL comes in, I would like to be able to put it on there if possible.

 

[smithrd65]

I have Rubicon and I have all the listed features and they work for me.

 

[SeanRa]

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