What Are the Three Types of Power Steering?

The three types of power steering are Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS), Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS), and Electric Power Steering (EPS). These systems all reduce steering effort but differ in how assistance is generated and controlled. Today, EPS dominates new vehicles for efficiency and integration with driver-assistance features, while HPS and EHPS remain relevant in older models and certain heavy-duty or performance applications.

The Three Core Power Steering Architectures

The following list outlines the three mainstream power steering systems found in passenger vehicles and light trucks, summarizing how each delivers assist and where you’re most likely to encounter them.

• Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS): Uses an engine-driven hydraulic pump and fluid pressure to assist steering through a steering gear or rack-and-pinion.
• Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS): Retains hydraulic assistance but replaces the belt-driven pump with an electric motor, reducing engine load and enabling variable assist.
• Electric Power Steering (EPS): Uses an electric motor and sensors (no hydraulic fluid) to provide assist, managed by an electronic control unit; supports advanced driver-assistance features.

Together, these categories capture how the industry has evolved from purely mechanical-hydraulic systems to electronically managed assistance, with EHPS acting as a transitional step between HPS and fully electric EPS.

Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS)

HPS relies on hydraulic fluid pressurized by a pump driven by the engine via a belt. As the driver turns the wheel, valves in the steering gear (or rack) modulate pressure to assist the movement, reducing effort. Long the standard in the late 20th century, HPS remains common in older vehicles and some heavy-duty applications where high, consistent assist is valued.

How it works and where it fits

An engine-driven pump circulates fluid from a reservoir through high-pressure lines to the steering gear. A control valve, actuated by steering input, directs pressure to one side of a piston to help move the rack or recirculating ball gear. The setup is proven and durable, offering a natural, road-connected feel many drivers appreciate.

Why it’s used—and what to watch

HPS provides strong assist and robust feedback but imposes a constant parasitic load on the engine, reducing fuel economy. It also requires periodic fluid checks, potential hose or seal replacements, and can suffer performance dips in extreme cold if fluid degrades or aerates.

Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS)

EHPS keeps the hydraulic steering gear but replaces the belt-driven pump with an electric motor. This hybrid approach reduces drag on the engine, enables variable assist regardless of engine speed, and can be packaged more flexibly. Many vehicles from the 2000s and early 2010s adopted EHPS as a bridge technology during the transition to full electric assistance.

How it works and where it fits

An electric motor powers the hydraulic pump on demand, controlled by an ECU. This allows better efficiency than HPS, especially at highway speeds where little assist is needed. EHPS has been used in various European models and some performance or commercial applications that wanted hydraulic feel without a constant engine-driven pump.

Why it’s used—and what to watch

While more efficient than HPS, EHPS still inherits hydraulic complexity—fluid, hoses, seals—and the added electronics can increase diagnostic complexity. It offers a balance of feel and efficiency but is less common on brand-new passenger cars as EPS has matured.

Electric Power Steering (EPS)

EPS eliminates hydraulic fluid entirely. A compact electric motor, integrated with sensors on the steering column, pinion, or rack, provides assist under the guidance of an ECU. This design greatly cuts parasitic losses and integrates seamlessly with modern safety and convenience systems.

How it works and where it fits

Torque and angle sensors read driver input; control software commands the motor to add assist proportionally. Configurations include column-assist (C-EPS), pinion-assist (P-EPS), and rack-assist (R-EPS), chosen based on vehicle size and performance goals. EPS now dominates new cars and light trucks due to efficiency gains and compatibility with features like lane-keeping, adaptive lane centering, and automated parking.

Why it’s used—and what to watch

EPS is energy-efficient, tunable for different drive modes, and requires minimal maintenance. Early systems were criticized for numb steering feel, but modern calibration and rack-mounted motors have largely addressed this. Because assist is software-defined, EPS also lays the groundwork for steer-by-wire systems emerging in limited models and markets.

How to tell which system your vehicle has

Identifying your system helps with maintenance and troubleshooting. Visual checks and owner’s manuals typically provide the answer quickly.

Practical checks

Look for a power steering fluid reservoir and belt-driven pump (HPS). If you see hydraulic lines but the pump is electrically powered with a distinct module and wiring, it’s likely EHPS. If there’s no fluid reservoir and you find an electric motor on the column, pinion, or rack with EPS fuses or relays in the fuse box, you have EPS. Your owner’s manual or a VIN-specific parts lookup will confirm.

Bottom line

Hydraulic Power Steering delivers classic feel and high assist at the cost of efficiency and maintenance. Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering reduces engine load while preserving hydraulic characteristics but adds electronic complexity. Electric Power Steering leads today’s market for its efficiency, minimal maintenance, and compatibility with advanced driver-assistance systems. Across the industry in 2025, EPS is the default on most new passenger vehicles, while HPS and EHPS persist in older fleets and select duty-specific niches.

Summary

The three types of power steering are Hydraulic (HPS), Electro-Hydraulic (EHPS), and Electric (EPS). HPS uses an engine-driven pump and fluid, EHPS uses an electric pump with hydraulics, and EPS uses an electric motor with sensors and software. EPS now dominates new vehicles for efficiency and ADAS integration; HPS and EHPS remain in older models and specialized applications.

What is power steering type 3?

The three basic types:
A true hybrid of Type 1 and Type 2, EPHS sends energy to a hydraulic pump from an electric motor instead of an engine-driven belt. Type 3 — Electric Power Steering (EPS) The EPS replaces the hydraulic pump with an electric motor.

Which is better, EPS or hydraulic power steering?

Neither electric power steering (EPS) nor hydraulic power steering (HPS) is definitively “better”; the choice depends on priorities. EPS is superior for efficiency, reduced maintenance, and integration with driver-assist systems, while HPS often provides a more engaging and connected driving feel due to better road feedback. However, advancements in EPS have significantly improved steering feel in modern vehicles, and the choice may ultimately depend on the vehicle’s intended use and specific engineering.
 
This video compares the features and functions of electric and hydraulic power steering systems: 57sCountermanYouTube · Nov 23, 2020
Electric Power Steering (EPS)

• Pros:
  • Fuel Efficiency: EPS only draws power when the steering wheel is turned, unlike hydraulic systems, which constantly draw engine power. 
  • Reduced Maintenance: No hydraulic fluid means no leaks, no fluid to check or change, and less overall maintenance. 
  • Space and Weight Savings: Eliminating the hydraulic pump, fluid, and associated plumbing saves space and reduces vehicle weight. 
  • Integration with Driver-Assist Systems: EPS enables modern features like lane-keeping assistance and automatic parking. 
• Cons:
  • Steering Feel: Historically, EPS has been criticized for a less connected or engaging feel due to friction in the system and less direct road feedback compared to HPS. 
  • Repair Costs: Failures in EPS systems can be expensive to repair, as they are often not field-serviceable and are replaced as a single unit. 

Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS)

• Pros:
  • Superior Steering Feel: Hydraulic systems provide a more direct and connected feel from the road, which many enthusiasts prefer. 
  • Proven Reliability: HPS is a long-established technology, and its feedback mechanisms are well understood. 
• Cons:
  • Lower Fuel Efficiency: The constant power drain from the engine-driven pump reduces fuel economy. 
  • Higher Maintenance: Requires power steering fluid, which can leak, get dirty, or overheat. 
  • More Complex and Heavier: Involves more parts, requires more space, and adds weight to the vehicle. 

Conclusion

• For Efficiency and Modern Features: EPS is the clear winner, aligning with advancements in vehicle efficiency and integration of driver-assist technologies. 
• For Driving Engagement: HPS traditionally offers a more connected feel, though modern EPS systems are increasingly closing the gap. 
• Consider the Application: The “better” system depends on the vehicle’s purpose; for a sports car, precise feedback might be prioritized, while for a daily commuter, efficiency and ease of use are more critical. 

What are the three types of steering?

The three most common types of car steering systems are Rack and Pinion, Recirculating Ball, and Power Steering (with its variations like Hydraulic, Electro-Hydraulic, and Electric), which focuses on how assistance is provided to the steering. Rack and pinion is common in cars, recirculating ball in heavy-duty vehicles, and power steering reduces driver effort via hydraulic fluid or electric motors.
 
Rack and Pinion Steering 

• How it works: A steering wheel connects to a pinion gear, which moves a linear “rack” bar to turn the wheels. 
• Best for: Most modern passenger cars and light trucks due to its direct and precise feel. 

Recirculating Ball Steering

• How it works: A worm gear rotates, moving ball bearings within a nut, which turns a sector-shaft to direct the wheels. 
• Best for: Heavier vehicles like trucks and SUVs, providing robust and durable steering. 

Power Steering

• How it works: A system that provides assistance to the steering, reducing the physical effort needed by the driver. 
• Types of Power Steering:
  • Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS): Uses a pump driven by the engine to provide pressurized fluid to help move the steering. 
  • Electric Power Steering (EPS): Uses an electric motor to assist steering, drawing power only when needed, which improves fuel efficiency. 
  • Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS): Combines features of both hydraulic and electric systems, using an electric motor to power the hydraulic pump. 

What are the three main types of power steering systems?

There are three main types of power steering systems such as hydraulic power steering (HPS), electric power steering (EPS) and hydroelectric power steering (EPHS).