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
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Other materials:
Additional Maintenance and Care
Your vehicle is an important investment and caring for it properly may help to
avoid future costly repairs. To maintain vehicle performance, additional maintenance
services may be required. It is recommended that your dealer perform these services
— their trained dealer technicians know your v ...
Tyre Dismounting and Mounting
Caution: Use a tire changing machine in order to dismount tires. Do
not use hand tools or tire irons alone in order to remove the tire from
the wheel. Damage to the tire beads or the wheel rim could result.
Caution: Do not scratch or damage the clear coating on aluminum wheels with the
tire ...
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction and affect your ability to stop
and accelerate.
Always drive slower in these types of driving conditions and avoid driving through
large puddles and deep-standing or flowing water.
WARNING
Wet brakes can cause crashes.
They might not work as wel ...
