Diesel Technic: the inside track on steering pumps

By Categories: Commercial NewsPublished On: Friday 18 June 2021

Components provider Diesel Technic UK has outlined the process behind the development of its steering pumps for commercial vehicle applications.

Connecting the driver with the road, truck and bus steering systems need to provide comfort, efficiency and active safety, according to Mark Todd, general manager at Diesel Technic UK – for every journey, every passenger and every load.

“Modern hydraulic and electric steering systems are true all-rounders: with their help, the driver is able to handle parking manoeuvres easily,” said Mark.

“At the same time, the steering gives a sense of safety, stability and control at higher speeds.

“A perfectly functioning chassis and an appropriately adjusted steering are essential for a smooth and safe ride. The suspension in turn compensates for unevenness in the road so that the wheels always have good contact with the ground.

“In the same way, the axles also need to absorb a variety of different forces. This includes the vehicle’s own weight, but also braking forces, drive influences and cornering forces.”

He continued: “As an international supplier of automotive parts and accessories, Diesel Technic knows that in addition to ensuring its products are reliable, an ongoing commitment to optimise safety and performance is vital.”

The DT Spare Parts steering range includes around 1,100 items, from drag links to steering wheels.

“The steering pump is an auxiliary unit of the engine, which is used to support the power steering,“ Mark explained.

“Steering pumps differ between standard pumps and tandem pumps with flanged fuel pump, which are used in the latest vehicles.

“DT brand steering pumps are manufactured to precisely defined dimensions for a perfect fit. The use of top-quality production materials ensures durability, even under extreme pressure.

“The casing is an aluminium workpiece, produced under high-pressure treatment. This process ensures a cavity-free product with high rigidity and an optimal processing of the aluminium casting. The rotor and rotor blades are manufactured to the highest precision to achieve the best possible surface roughness.“

In order to keep the wear to a minimum, the rotor blades are subjected to extreme hardening, Mark adds. After production, each pump is individually tested at various engine speeds for perfect functioning, pressure ratio, noise emission and capacity.

“To avoid any damage of the pump by contamination, the entire hydraulic steering system must be rinsed and refilled with new hydraulic oil before mounting a new pump,“ he continued.

“The hydraulic oil must be in accordance with the standards set by the vehicle manufacturers, in respect of fluidity, range of application and permissible operating temperatures.“

The DT Spare Parts brand offers more than 40,000 different spare parts for trucks, trailers and buses, including steering systems and components, which the firm says are constantly optimised to ensure the highest quality standards and performance.

Mark concluded: “All products meet high quality standards thanks to its Diesel Technic Quality System (DTQS) which is a core value for the company. Extended testing and state-of-the-art measuring options under laboratory conditions as well as an own electronics test laboratory ensure future-proof conditions for quality assurance.”

www.dieseltechnic.com