Patent ID: 7798281
Filing Date: 2010-09-21
Classification: B62D,F15B

Abstract:
1. A method of improving performance of a vehicle which has a hydraulic power steering system for driving steered wheels, the system comprising: a hydraulic fluid reservoir, a pump for pumping hydraulic fluid from the reservoir and a steering unit operably connected to a mechanical steering system and to be activated by supply of hydraulic fluid by the pump to the steering unit; the hydraulic power steering system having a flow path for supply of hydraulic fluid by the pump to the steering unit at a specific quantum of flow, said method comprising: modifying the system by increasing the effective cross-section of the flow path for the supply of hydraulic fluid from the pump to the steering unit to decrease the circuit pressure for the quantum of flow of hydraulic fluid to the steering unit to thereby reduce the feedback effect generated by the steered wheels of the vehicle, wherein the steering system includes a hydraulic fitting attached to the pump for connecting the pump to a supply line, and a hydraulic fitting connected to the steering unit for connecting the supply line to the steering unit, and the step of increasing the bore size of the hydraulic fittings.