Many car owners, when faced with the first signs of malfunctions in the control system or just studying the device of their vehicle, often stumble upon a mysterious acronym. The question of what is IGS in the car And what is its decoding, becomes especially relevant when there are knocks, backlashes or leaks of liquid. Understanding how this unit works allows not only to correctly diagnose the problem, but also to save significantly on repairs, noticing critical wear and tear in time.
The definition of the term is extremely simple and logical for anyone who is familiar with the basic design of the car. SUG - Sestema G.kernelUpotent RRulya (although in the technical documentation is more common is a combination of words describing the functionality, the abbreviation of SSU is often used as a synonym for GUR - Power steering, or as a designation). Sestema G.kernelUof the Board). In the context of most modern passenger cars, this reduction means that hydraulic-amplifierIt takes the main load of turning the wheels, making driving comfortable even at low speeds.
It is important to note that ignoring the signals that this mechanism sends can lead to a complete loss of control in an emergency. Modern. electronics Classical hydraulics require careful attention. In this article, we will discuss in detail what the system consists of, how it functions and what nuances of operation will help to avoid expensive repairs.
Principle of operation and main components of the system
The fundamental element that ensures the ease of rotation of the steering wheel is high-pressure. It creates the necessary flow of working fluid, which circulates along a closed circuit. The pump is driven by the crankshaft of the engine through the belt gear, which means its constant operation with the engine running. The pressure in the system can reach significant values, which requires high tightness of all connections.
The key node where the pressure is converted into mechanical force is distributor and hydrocylinder. When the driver turns the steering wheel, the torsion of the distributor twists, opening channels to supply oil to a particular cavity of the cylinder. This puts pressure on the piston associated with the steering rack and helps the wheels turn. Without this mechanism, the driver would have to put in tens of times more effort, especially when parking.
⚠️ Warning: Operating a car with a faulty distributor can lead to a “biting” of the steering wheel when it suddenly becomes tight or, conversely, too light, which is extremely dangerous at high speed.
The working fluid, or oil, acts as a transmitting link. It not only transmits pressure, but also lubricates rubbing vapors, and also removes heat from the heating elements. The system is provided expansion-tankwhere the supply of liquid is located and where it is cooled and cleaned from wear products. A filter in a tank or in a mainline delays metal shavings, preventing abrasive wear of the plunger pair of the pump.
Check the level of fluid in the tank GUR only on the cooled engine to avoid burns and get correct readings.
Effectiveness of the whole SUG It depends on the condition of the seals and sealing rings. Over time, rubber loses elasticity, tans in the cold or cracks from overheating, which leads to leaks. Even microscopic leakage can become critical over time, as air entering the system causes cavitation and pump noise.
Typical malfunctions and methods of their diagnosis
The first and most obvious sign of system problems is the appearance of extraneous sounds. The sound or howl of the pump when the steering wheel is rotating indicates a drop in the level of liquid or air entering the circuit. If you hear a knock, especially on rough roads, it may indicate wear and tear. steering-column Or a backlash in the rake itself. Diagnosis should begin with a visual examination and listening.
Leaks of working fluid are the second most common problem. Oil can appear on the asphalt after parking, on the suspension elements or directly on the slat body. Often leak occurs in the exit points of the rods from the hydraulic cylinder housing, where the cuffs are installed. Microscopic leaks sometimes require the use of an ultraviolet lamp and the addition of a fluorescent label to the oil.
- 🔍 Visual examination: Checking the integrity of high and low pressure hoses, the absence of oil spots on the anthers of the rake.
- 👂 Acoustic diagnostics: Listening to the pump at idle speeds and with a sharp turn of the steering wheel to the point.
- 🤏 Tactile check: Evaluation of steering effort, checking for the presence of “dead zones” or uneven force in different positions.
Another common problem is the wear and tear. torsion in the distribution node. In this case, there may be a desynchronization: the wheels do not turn immediately or with a delay in relation to the steering wheel. Also characteristic of the "swimming" effort - the steering wheel becomes tight, then light for no apparent reason. This often happens on cars with high mileage, where the metal is already tired of constant loads.
It is important to distinguish between faults themselves. SUG and suspension problems. Knocking, giving to the steering wheel, can come from worn-out Silentblocks or ball supports. Therefore, comprehensive diagnostics of the chassis is mandatory before intervention in steering. An incorrect diagnosis will lead to replacement of serviceable parts and will not solve the problem.
Liquid resource and replacement regulations
Many car manufacturers claim that the liquid in the SUG It is filled for the entire life of the car. But the realities of exploitation, especially in our roads and climate, dictate their rules. The products of wear, thermal destruction of the oil and loss of its properties over time turn the working fluid into an abrasive substance that kills the pump and the rack.
The optimal replacement interval is considered to be a mileage of 60-80,000 kilometers or once every 2-3 years, whichever comes first. If you are often in traffic jams, the load on the system increases many times, as the pump is running, and the car is not moving, and the liquid is not cooled by the flow of oncoming air. In such conditions, the replacement interval is better to reduce to 40-50,000 kilometers.
| Type of driving | Recommended mileage (km) | Signs of need for replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Urban cycle (congestion) | 40 000 – 50 000 | Darkening of the oil, the appearance of the hum |
| Mixed cycle | 60 000 – 80 000 | Decrease in the efficiency of the amplifier |
| Track/Easy operation | 80 000 – 100 000 | Planned maintenance or the appearance of the smell of burning |
| Aggressive driving | 30 000 – 40 000 | Frequent system overheating, noise |
When replacing a liquid, it is critical to use only the type of oil recommended by the manufacturer. Mixing mineral and synthetic liquids, as well as liquids of different colors (red ATFs and green/yellow GHFs), can lead to a chemical reaction, swelling of rubber seals and system failure. Always check the manual or marking on the expansion tank.
⚠️ Warning: Never keep the steering wheel in the extreme position for more than 5 seconds. At this point, the pump operates in maximum pressure mode without fluid flowing through the system, which leads to its rapid overheating and destruction.
Repair process: Recovery or replacement
When the diagnosis confirmed the malfunction SUGThe owner is faced with the question: repair or change the entire unit. The modern approach is often inclined to replace it with a remanufactured unit (called an exchange), as it is faster and often cheaper than finding original remakes and paying for the work of a highly skilled craftsman.
Repair of steering rods with hydropower It requires a special stand for inspection and adjustment. In garage conditions, it is almost impossible to qualitatively change the distributor or replace the shaft gear. The main problem with self-repair is the inability to properly adjust the crust press and eliminate backlashes without special tools, which leads to a rapid re-outage of the node.
☑️ Diagnosis before repair
If it is decided to make a replacement, it is also necessary to wash the entire system, including hoses and tanks. Remains of metal shavings from the old pump, caught in the new rail, instantly put it out of action. In some cases, with severe pollution, it is more advisable to replace the hoses, since deposits also accumulate inside them.
It's worth mentioning. adaptation. After replacement or major repairs of some modern systems, software adaptation of the steering angle and calibration of sensors through a diagnostic scanner may be required. Without this procedure, the stabilization system (ESP) and other electronic assistants may not work properly.
Climate and operating conditions
Climate conditions have a huge impact on the resource SUG. In winter, at low temperatures, the oil thickens. If the system uses poor-quality or inappropriate liquid, it can turn into a “acid”, creating extreme pressure on the ossels and cuffs at the first start of the engine. This is a common cause of extruding the glands and the appearance of leaks after winter.
In the summer, the main enemy is overheating. Prolonged standing in traffic jams with the air conditioner on (which also loads the engine and cooling system) leads to heating the oil in the GUR tank to temperatures above 100 degrees. At such temperatures, the rubber of seals quickly degrades, and the oil itself loses its lubricating properties, starting to burn.
- ❄️ Winter risks: Thickening of oil, the risk of extrusion of the osteoils during cold start, microcracks on the nozzles.
- ☀️ Summer risks: Thermal destruction of the oil structure, boiling, loss of tightness of compounds due to the expansion of materials.
- 💧 Humidity: Water entering the system through the ventilation of the tank or microcracks, which causes corrosion of internal parts and emulsification of the oil.
To minimize the impact of climate, it is recommended in the cold season the first few minutes of movement do not make sharp turns with the steering wheel, allowing the system to warm up. Also useful is the condition of the anthers of the steering rack: if they are torn, water and dirt get there, which destroy the shaft mirror and the ossicles, causing corrosion and bullies.
The myth of the "eternal" fluid
There is a popular opinion that if the oil in GUR does not turn black, then it is not necessary to change it. That's a misconception. Additives that provide lubricating and antifoam properties are destroyed by time and temperature, regardless of color. Transparent but dead oil is just as dangerous to the pump as black oil.
Tips for extending the service life of the SMSU
To the hydraulic power system served for a long time and did not cause problems, it is enough to follow a few simple but important rules of operation. First of all, it is a regular monitoring of the level of fluid and its condition. If the oil has become cloudy or changed color, this is a signal for immediate diagnosis.
The second rule is to avoid extreme stress. You do not need to “spin” the steering wheel in place, unless there is an urgent need. It is better to make a small coast down so that the wheels spin under the load of movement, rather than friction on static asphalt. This will significantly reduce the peak pressure in the system.
⚠️ Attention: If you find even a slight backlash in the steering or the appearance of knocks, do not delay the visit to the STO. A broken steering rack mechanism can cause the wheels to be spelled in motion.
Last but not least, use only quality parts and supplies. Cheap remixes are often made of rubber that doesn’t hold the aggressive environment of modern oil and tans quickly. Saving on small things in the car control system is unacceptable.
Regular fluid replacement and careful handling of the steering wheel in extreme temperatures are key to a long life of the powertrain.
Can red and green oil be mixed in GUR?
Absolutely not. Red liquids (usually based on ATF) and green liquids (specific to GURs, such as Pentosin) have different chemical bases. Their mixing leads to precipitation, foaming and destruction of rubber seals, which is guaranteed to bring the system down.
Why does the GUR only hum on the cold?
A cold hum most often indicates wear of the inner working pair of the pump (bearing or plates) or that the oil is too thick for the current temperature. Also, the cause may be the sucking of air through microcracks in the low pressure hose, which are cold compressed, but expand when heated.
What is the resource of the hydraulic booster pump?
With proper operation and timely replacement of the liquid, the life of the SSU pump is 150–200 thousand kilometers. However, when using poor-quality oil or working with low fluid levels, it can fail after 30-50,000 kilometers.
What to do if the GUR Reyk leaks?
If the leak is small and appeared on the oilseeds, sometimes it helps to replace the remplekt and polish the shaft. However, if there is corrosion on the shaft mirror or production in the case, it will be necessary to replace the entire rack or its professional restoration in a specialized enterprise.