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:
Automatic Transmission
It is better not to park with the engine running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine running, follow the proper steps to be
sure the vehicle will not move.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer.
The automatic transmission has a shift lever located on the console between the
seats.
...
Wheel Alignment Measurement
Steering and vibration complaints are not always the result of improper
alignment. One possible cause is wheel and tire imbalance.
Another possibility is tire lead due to worn or improperly manufactured tires.
Lead/pull is defined as follows: At a constant highway speed
on a typical straight ...
Seat Adjustment
Manual Front Seats
To adjust a manual seat:
1. Pull the handle at the front of the seat.
2. Slide the seat to the desired position and release the handle.
3. Try to move the seat back and forth to be sure it is locked in place.
Seat Height Adjuster
If available, move the lever up or down t ...
