The history of power steering is a fascinating one, and it’s one that we’re going to explore in this blog post. We’ll take you back to the late 1800s and show you how power steering was invented by engineers who wanted to make cars safer for everyone!
What is Power Steering?
First, let’s define power steering. Power steering is a mechanism that allows drivers to steer their car by turning the steering wheel instead of having to turn it hard or even manually because the wheels are locked in place. The need for this began when cars became more complex and were no longer steered with levers but rather with foot pedals inside them; drivers were having a hard time steering their cars because they’d have to turn the car by turning the pedals.
Who is the Inventor of Power Steering
Power steering was invented by an engineer named Francis W. Davis. During the late 1800s, Davis worked with a company that manufactured horse-drawn carriages. These types of companies were some of the first to see cars as direct competition and wanted ways to make their vehicles safer than those newfangled machines – so they began putting brakes on them!
Davis noticed how difficult it was for drivers at this time to steer their cars because they had to turn the wheel so hard. This led him to invent what he called “steering gear.” His steering gear was a part of the mechanism attached to the front wheels, which would allow drivers much more ease in turning them.
The First Patent for Power Steering
Davis applied for his first patent on power steering in 1898, and it was granted to him in 1899. However, the technology wasn’t put into use until much later; World War I caused a halt in car production as factories were turned over to make munitions and other war supplies.
After the war ended, cars slowly started trickling back onto the roads. The first car with power steering was the Marmon-Riley, which had its debut in 1921 at Indianapolis Speedway! This car’s engine used a planetary gear system to drive hydraulic pumps that worked together to move two arms attached to both front wheels independently so they could easily turn them.
However, it took another fifteen years for these systems to become more widespread; by 1936, only about a third of all cars on the road had power steering. It wasn’t until World War II that this number began to grow as factories were once again turned over to producing war supplies and the technology became more accessible.
Power Steering Goes Mainstream
Today, power steering is an essential part of most cars and is something that we take for granted. It’s hard to imagine a time when drivers had to turn the wheel with all their might in order to make a cargo where they wanted it to!
Today, power steering is an essential part of most cars and is something that we take for granted. It’s hard to imagine a time when drivers had to turn the wheel with all their might in order to make a car go where they wanted it to!
How Much Does Power Steering Cost?
Now that you know all about the history of power steering, let’s talk a little bit more about what it actually costs. The truth is that there isn’t much consistency when it comes to price – one car may be very expensive while another might not have any problems with its power steering system at all!
In general, most cars will need power steering at some point in their lifespan. It is a common issue that most mechanics can fix, but you may end up paying more money if your mechanic needs to adjust the pump or other parts of the system that wasn’t broken in order to get power steering back into shape.
Power Steering Issues and How They Are Fixed
If problems with your power steering arise, there are a few different problems that may be the cause.
Leaks: Leaks can come from anywhere in your car’s power steering system – including hoses and seals. The good news is that leaks slowly happen, so you’ll typically have time to get them fixed before they become too problematic. If left alone for a long time, leaks can even damage your entire system and cause more expensive problems.
Sluggish Steering: If you notice that it takes a lot longer to turn the wheel than normal or if it feels like there is heavy resistance when turning, this may be caused by air in your power steering pump. The best way to see what’s going on with your pump is to have a mechanic look at it and diagnose the problem.
No Power: If you’re turning the wheel and nothing is happening, there may be an issue with your car’s power steering pump. This will require either replacement or repair of the pump in order to get your power steering working again.
These are just a few of the most common power steering problems – if you’re having issues with your car, it’s best to take it in for a diagnostic and see what the problem is. Mechanics can help you fix any of these issues and get your car back on the road in no time!
Final Thoughts
Power steering is a fascinating invention that makes your driving experience a lot easier – but the early days of power steering weren’t all that great. Now, there are a lot more cars on the road with this helpful feature, and it’s hard to imagine driving without it!
Learning the history of this incredible technology makes us realize how lucky we are to have it in our lives. If you’re ever having problems with your power steering, don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to fix it and get back on the road!