The Three Types of Steering: What They Are and How They Differ

The three types of steering are manual steering, hydraulic power steering, and electric power steering. In everyday automotive contexts, these categories describe how steering effort is generated and assisted. Depending on your textbook or industry context, however, “three types of steering” can also refer to distinct classifications based on the gear mechanism or which wheels do the steering.

The primary classification: How steering effort is assisted

Most modern discussions group steering systems by how they provide assist to the driver. This practical classification is widely used by automakers, service manuals, and training programs.

• Manual Steering (MS): No power assist; the driver’s input alone turns the wheels via the steering gear. Common on older or lightweight vehicles.
• Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS): A belt-driven pump pressurizes fluid to assist steering through a hydraulic control valve in the steering gear or rack.
• Electric Power Steering (EPS): An electric motor (column-, pinion-, or rack-mounted) provides assist controlled by sensors and software, improving efficiency and enabling driver-assistance features.

These three form the standard contemporary trio. You may also see electro-hydraulic systems (an electric pump driving hydraulics) and emerging steer-by-wire systems (motor-controlled steering without a mechanical column) as variants beyond the classic three.

Alternative ways “three types” are taught

By steering gear mechanism

Some curricula define types based on the mechanical gear set that converts steering wheel rotation into wheel angle. This focuses on the physical hardware inside the steering assembly.

• Rack-and-Pinion: A pinion gear on the steering shaft meshes with a linear rack; compact, precise, and now dominant in passenger cars.
• Recirculating Ball (Worm-and-Roller): A worm gear and ball nut reduce friction; traditionally used in trucks and older cars for durability and load capacity.
• Worm-and-Sector / Cam-and-Lever: Earlier designs where a worm or cam moves a sector or lever; largely superseded but still referenced historically.

In modern vehicles, rack-and-pinion is most common for cars, while heavy-duty trucks may still use recirculating-ball systems for robustness.

By which wheels steer

Another valid interpretation groups steering by the axle(s) that change direction, which matters for handling, stability, and packaging.

• Front-Wheel Steering (FWS): Only the front wheels steer; the global standard for passenger vehicles.
• Rear-Wheel Steering (RWS): Only the rear wheels steer; rare, seen in specialized machinery or certain older designs.
• Four-Wheel Steering (4WS): Both axles steer (often counter-phase at low speed, in-phase at high speed) to improve maneuverability and stability; found on some modern SUVs, trucks, and performance cars.

This classification highlights dynamic benefits: tighter turning circles at low speeds and improved lane-change stability at higher speeds.

By steering geometry/kinematics

Engineering texts may also refer to “types” in terms of how the linkage geometry aims the wheels relative to each other, affecting tire scrub and cornering behavior.

• Ackermann Steering Geometry: Inner wheel turns more than the outer to match cornering radii, minimizing tire scrub at low speeds.
• Parallel Steering: Both front wheels turn by the same angle; simple but increases scrub in tight turns.
• Anti-Ackermann: Outer wheel turns slightly more than the inner; sometimes used in high-speed or high-grip applications to optimize tire loading.

While these geometries are not “power assist” types, they are commonly taught as three steering layout approaches in chassis design.

How to use the right answer in context

If an exam or interviewer asks for “the three types of steering” without context, the safest contemporary answer is manual steering, hydraulic power steering, and electric power steering. If the discussion is mechanical or historical, be ready to cite rack-and-pinion, recirculating ball, and worm-and-sector/cam; if it’s about vehicle dynamics, cite front-, rear-, and four-wheel steering.

Summary

The three types of steering most commonly meant today are manual steering, hydraulic power steering, and electric power steering. Depending on context, you may also encounter three-type groupings by steering mechanism (rack-and-pinion, recirculating ball, worm-and-sector/cam) or by which wheels steer (front-, rear-, four-wheel). Clarifying the frame of reference ensures you provide the most accurate answer.

What are the three types of power steering?

The three common types of power steering are Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS), Electric Power Steering (EPS), and Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS). Hydraulic systems use an engine-driven pump and fluid to assist steering, electric systems use an electric motor for assistance, and electro-hydraulic systems combine both technologies.
 
Here’s a closer look at each type:

• Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS) 
  • How it works: This traditional system uses a belt-driven pump to pressurize power steering fluid. When you turn the wheel, the fluid is directed to assist a piston in the steering rack, which then helps turn the wheels. 
  • Pros: Offers good road feel and feedback to the driver. 
  • Cons: Can be less fuel-efficient and more complex due to the extra components like the pump, hoses, and fluid. 
• Electric Power Steering (EPS) 
  • How it works: An electric motor, rather than a hydraulic pump, provides the steering assistance. This motor is typically connected to the steering column or rack. 
  • Pros: More energy-efficient, reduces emissions, offers more design flexibility for vehicle manufacturers, and requires less maintenance as there’s no fluid. 
  • Cons: Can sometimes lack the traditional road feel and feedback that HPS provides. 
• Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS)
  • How it works: This hybrid system uses an electric motor to drive a hydraulic pump, which then pressurizes the power steering fluid to assist steering. 
  • Pros: Combines the benefits of both systems, providing assistance without being directly driven by the engine and can improve fuel efficiency by only operating when needed. 
  • Cons: More complex than pure electric systems but offers a good balance of efficiency and steering feel. 

What are the three modes of steering?

Four-wheel steering operates in three phases – negative phase where front and rear wheels steer in opposite directions for tight turns at low speeds, neutral phase where only front wheels steer at moderate speeds, and positive phase where front and rear wheels steer in the same direction for lane changes at high speeds …

What is the 3 mode steering system?

Due to spur gear arrangement, the rear wheel steers in opposite direction to the front wheel. This results in third mode steering. Three steering modes can be changed as needed which assists in parking at heavy traffic conditions, when negotiating areas where short turning radius is needed and in off road Driving.

What are the types of steering in cars?

Here are the main types of car steering systems:

• Manual Steering System.
• Power Steering System.
• Rack-and-Pinion Steering System.
• Recirculating Ball Steering System.
• Four-Wheel Steering System.
• Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel System.
• Steer-by-Wire System.