The History of Power Steering: From Pierce-Arrow Engineer to Electric Systems

Power steering made large cars easy to maneuver. Engineer Francis W. Davis, who had worked at Pierce-Arrow, developed practical hydraulic power steering in the 1920s. After it proved itself in military vehicles during the Second World War, it reached mass production on the 1951 Chrysler Imperial, and Cadillac and others quickly followed. Since the 1990s and 2000s, electric power steering has largely replaced hydraulic systems, saving fuel and enabling driver-assistance features like lane centering and automated parking.

Timeline

Why it was needed

As cars grew heavier and tires wider, steering at parking speeds required real strength. Luxury cars — the biggest and heaviest — needed help most.

Hydraulic systems

Hydraulic power steering uses an engine-driven pump to pressurize fluid that assists the driver’s steering input. It gives good feel but consumes engine power even when not steering.

Speed-sensitive steering

Early power steering was often criticized for being too light and vague at highway speeds. Engineers responded with speed-sensitive (variable-assist) systems that give plenty of help when parking but firm up as speed rises, and variable-ratio steering racks that make the steering quicker as the wheel is turned further. Together they allowed big luxury cars to feel easy in a parking garage and stable on the highway.

Electric power steering

Electric systems use a motor to assist steering only when needed, improving efficiency — a hydraulic pump runs constantly, while an electric motor draws power only when the driver turns the wheel. Because a computer controls the motor, the car can also steer itself for lane-keeping, parking assistance and hands-free driving systems. Without electric steering, features like automated parking and Super Cruise would not be possible.

Steer-by-wire

The next step is steer-by-wire, in which there is no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels at all — sensors read the driver’s input, and motors turn the wheels. A few production cars and trucks already use it, with backup systems for safety, and it allows new cabin designs and variable steering ratios.

What passengers notice

For passengers, better steering means a calmer ride: smooth lane changes, precise low-speed maneuvering at crowded airport curbs and less correction on uneven highways. A professional chauffeur combines that precision with anticipation to keep the car steady. Read what to expect from a professional chauffeur.

Rear-wheel steering

Some luxury cars now steer the rear wheels too, shrinking turning circles — useful for long sedans in city streets. Read rear-wheel steering explained and the W223 S-Class.