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.
Power Steering
STEERING
S e c tion 09
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CHEVROLET CRUZE BODY REPAIR MANUAL 2010
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