Chevrolet Cruze Repair Manual: Variable Effort Steering System Description and Operation
The Variable Effort Steering (VES) system or MAGNASTEER® varies the amount of effort required to steer the vehicle as vehicle speed changes. At low speeds, the system provides minimal steering effort for easy turning and parking maneuvers. Steering effort is increased at higher speeds to provide firmer steering (road feel) and directional stability. VES works in parallel with the base torsion bar in the power steering system.
The VES control module communicates on the high speed bus and uses vehicle speed and the steering wheel angle speed to command a current that is most appropriate for each speed to the VES actuator in the steering rack and pinion. The actuator is a variable electromagnetic actuator, which consists of one multiple-pole ring-style permanent magnet, with a pole piece, and an electromagnetic coil assembly on each side. By commanding currents between -3 to +3 Amps through the coils the steering effort will be adapted to the vehicle’s speed.
At lowest speed, around 5 km/h (3 mph) the coils are polarized in such a way that the magnetic forces are repelling each others and hardly any effort is required to turn the ring magnet between them.
At mid speed, around 70 km/h (45 mph), no current is sent through the coils and steering is assisted by hydraulics only. At high speeds the coils are polarized in such a way that the magnetic forces are attracting each others and high effort is required to turn the ring magnet between them.
The VES control module communicates on the HS GMLAN bus.
The VES control module has the ability to detect malfunctions in the actuator. Any malfunctions detected will cause the system to ramp to zero amps. Steering will be assisted by hydraulics only and a DTC is set.
Special Tools and Equipment
Power Steering System Description and Operation
The hydraulic power steering pump is a constant displacement vane-type pump
that provides hydraulic pressure and flow for the power
steering gear. The hydraulic power steering pumps are either belt ...
Steering Wheel and Column
Specifications
...
Other materials:
Exterior Care
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it often and out of direct sunlight.
Notice: Do not use petroleum-based, acidic, or abrasive cleaning agents
as they can damage the vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic parts.
If damage occurs, it would not be covered by the vehic ...
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your dealer and to Chevrolet.
Normally, any concerns with the sales transaction or the operation of the vehicle
will be resolved by your dealer's sales or service departments. Sometimes, however,
despite the best intentions of all concerned, ...
Safety Belts
This section of the manual describes how to use safety belts properly. It also
describes some things not to do with safety belts.
WARNING
Do not let anyone ride where a safety belt cannot be worn properly. In a crash,
if you or your passenger(s) are not wearing safety belts, injuries can be mu ...
