[69nova]

I thought I asked this question before but here goes.
While in the Chevy dealership, I had the opportunity to inspect the new Malibus. It's a really nice vehicle with the right size and price. I would think that reliability is going to be the biggest feture to sell the vehicle.
I did notice a feature on the sticker "Variable Electric Steering".
Can anybody give me a read on this? It sounds as if the steering wheel's attitude is sensed by a potentiometer which relays a signal to a steering box which turns the wheels.

 

[kmacleod]

Its electric variable power assist steeering. Instead if having a variable power assist electro-hydraulic PS pump, (first on the 88 fiero, then dropped when they canceled it) The power steering unit is all electric & utilizes variable power assist according to speed.

In answer to your question, your steering wheel is still connected to a "Rack & Pinion" unit.


Hope this helps.....


Ken

 

[Andy]

I think it means variable rate steering. When at low speeds, it's easier to turn the steering wheel but it gives you low road feel. At high speeds, it's harder to turn the wheel, but it gives you better road feel. Also, it's like that so it's harder to oversteer by acciedent and run either yourself or someone off the road.

 

[Hudson]

I believe I answered this before...and KMcLeod answered it pretty well here.

A manufacturer cannot make a road vehicle where the steering wheel is not directly connected to the steering rack. It is specifically laid out that way in federal vehicle codes.