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:
Installation Procedure
Remove rear end upper panel extension (1) from service part.
Cut the body side inner panel in corresponding locations to fit the
remaining original panel. The sectioning joint should be trimmed to
allow a gap of one-and-one-half-times the metal thickness at the sectioning
jo ...
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), this light comes on
briefly when the engine is started. It provides information about tire pressures
and the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires are significantly underinflated.
A Driver In ...
Tire Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 12 000 km (7,500 mi).
Tires are rotated to achieve a uniform wear for all tires. The first rotation
is the most important.
Anytime unusual wear is noticed, rotate the tires as soon as possible, check
for proper tire inflation pressure, and check for damaged tires ...
