Four-Wheel Steering System

1. INTRODUCTION
Four-wheel steering, 4WS, also called rear-wheel steering or all-wheel
steering, provides a means to actively steer the rear wheels during turning maneuvers. It
should not be confused with four-wheel drive in which all four wheels of a vehicle are
powered. It improves handling and help the vehicle make tighter turns.
Production-built cars tend to understeer or, in few instances, oversteer. If a
car could automatically compensate for an understeer/oversteer problem, the driver
would enjoy nearly neutral steering under varying conditions. 4WS is a serious effort on
the part of automotive design engineers to provide near-neutral steering.
The front wheels do most of the steering. Rear wheel turning is generally
limited to 50-60 during an opposite direction turn. During a same direction turn, rear
wheel steering is limited to about 10-1.50.
When both the front and rear wheels steer toward the same direction, they
are said to be in-phase and this produces a kind of sideways movement of the car at low
speeds. When the front and rear wheels are steered in opposite direction, this is called
anti-phase, counter-phase or opposite-phase and it produces a sharper, tighter turn.

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Dept. of Mechanical Engg.
PAACET

Four-Wheel Steering System

2. WHY FOUR-WHEEL STEERING SYSTEM?

To understand the advantages of four-wheel steering, it is
wise to review the dynamics of typical steering maneuvers with a conventional front
-steered vehicle. The tires are subject to the forces of grip, momentum, and steering input
when making a movement other than straight-ahead driving. These forces compete with
each other during steering maneuvers. With a front-steered vehicle, the rear end is always
trying to catch up to the directional changes of the front wheels. This causes the vehicle
to sway. As a normal part of operating a vehicle, the driver learns to adjust to these forces
without thinking about them.
When turning, the driver is putting into motion a complex series of forces.
Each of these must be balanced against the others. The tires are subjected to road grip and
slip angle. Grip holds the car's wheels to the road, and momentum moves the car straight
ahead. Steering input causes the front wheels to turn. The car momentarily resists the
turning motion, causing a tire slip angle to form. Once the vehicle begins to respond to
the steering input, cornering forces are generated. The vehicle sways as the rear wheels
attempt to keep up with the cornering forces already generated by the front tires. This is
referred to as rear-end lag, because there is a time delay between steering input and
vehicle reaction. When the front wheels are turned back to a straight -ahead position, the
vehicle must again try to adjust by reversing the same forces developed by the turn. As
the steering is turned, the vehicle body sways as the rear wheels again try to keep up with
the cornering forces generated by the front wheels.
The idea behind four-wheel steering is that a vehicle requires less driver
input for any steering maneuver if all four wheels are steering the vehicle. As with twowheel steer vehicles, tire grip holds the four wheels on the road. However, when the
driver turns the wheel slightly, all four wheels react to the steering input, causing slip
angles to form at all four wheels. The entire vehicle moves in one direction rather than
the rear half attempting to catch up to the front. There is also less sway when the wheels
are turned back to a straight-ahead position. The vehicle responds more quickly to
steering input because rear wheel lag is eliminated.
________________________________________________________________________
Dept. of Mechanical Engg.
PAACET

Four-Wheel Steering System

3. TYPES OF 4WS
There are three types of production of four-wheel steering systems:
3.1 Mechanical 4WS
3.2 Hydraulic 4WS
3.3 Electro-hydraulic 4WS
3.1

Mechanical 4WS

Figure 1. Mechanical 4WS

In a straight-mechanical type of 4WS, two steering gears are used-one for
the front and the other for the rear wheels. A steel shaft connects the two steering
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Dept. of Mechanical Engg.
PAACET

Four-Wheel Steering System

gearboxes and terminates at an eccentric shaft that is fitted with an offset pin. This pin
engages a second offset pin that fits into a planetary gear.
The planetary gear meshes with the matching teeth of an internal gear that
is secured in a fixed position to the gearbox housing. This means that the planetary gear
can rotate but the internal gear cannot. The eccentric pin of the planetary gear fits into a
hole in a slider for the steering gear.
A 120-degree turn of the steering wheel rotates the planetary gear to move
the slider in the same direction that the front wheels are headed. Proportionately, the rear
wheels turn the steering wheel about 1.5 to 10 degrees. Further rotation of the steering
wheel, past the 120degree point, causes the rear wheels to start straightening out due to
the double-crank action (two eccentric pins) and rotation of the planetary gear. Turning
the steering wheel to a greater angle, about 230 degrees, finds the rear wheels in a neutral
position regarding the front wheels. Further rotation of the steering wheel results in the
rear wheels going counter phase with regard to the front wheels. About 5.3 degrees
maximum counter phase rear steering is possible.
Mechanical 4WS is steering angle sensitive. It is not sensitive to vehicle
road speed.

3.2

Hydraulic 4WS

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Dept. of Mechanical Engg.
PAACET

Four-Wheel Steering System

Figure 2. Hydraulic 4WS

The hydraulically operated four-wheel-steering system is a simple design,
both in components and operation. The rear wheels turn only in the same direction as the
front wheels. They also turn no more than 11/2 degrees. The system only activates at
speeds above 30 mph (50 km/h) and does not operate when the vehicle moves in reverse.
A two-way hydraulic cylinder mounted on the rear stub frame turn the
wheels. Fluid for this cylinder is supplied by a rear steering pump that is driven by the
differential. The pump only operates when the front wheels are turning. A tank in the
engine compartment supplies the rear steering pump with fluid.
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Dept. of Mechanical Engg.
PAACET

Four-Wheel Steering System

When the steering wheel is turned, the front steering pump sends fluid
under pressure to the rotary valve in the front rack and pinion unit. This forces fluid into
the front power cylinder, and the front wheels turn in the direction steered. The fluid
pressure varies with the turning of the steering wheel. The faster and farther the steering
wheel is turned, the greater the fluid pressure.
The fluid is also fed under the same pressure to the control valve where it
opens a spool valve in the control valve housing. As the spool valve moves, it allows
fluid from the rear steering pump to move through and operate the rear power cylinder.
The higher the pressure on the spool, the farther it moves. The farther it moves, the more
fluid it allows through to move the rear wheels. As mentioned earlier, this system limits
rear wheel movement to 11/2 degrees in either the left or right direction.

3.3

Electro-hydraulic 4WS

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Dept. of Mechanical Engg.
PAACET

Four-Wheel Steering System

Figure 3. Electro-hydraulic 4WS

Several 4WS systems combine computer electronic controls with hydraulics
to make the system sensitive to both steering angle and road speeds. In this design, a
speed sensor and steering wheel angle sensor feed information to the electronic control
unit (ECU). By processing the information received, the ECU commands the hydraulic
system steer the rear wheels. At low road speed, the rear wheels of this system are not
considered a dynamic factor in the steering process.
At moderate road speeds, the rear wheels are steered momentarily counter
phase, through neutral, then in phase with the front wheels. At high road speeds, the rear
wheels turns only in phase with the front wheels. The ECU must know not only road
speed, but also how much and quickly the steering wheel is turned. These three factors ________________________________________________________________________
Dept. of Mechanical Engg.
PAACET

Four-Wheel Steering System

road speed, amount of steering wheel turn, and the quickness of the steering wheel turn are interpreted by the ECU to maintain continuous and desired steer angle of the rear
wheels.
The basic working elements of the design of an electro-hydraulic 4WS are
control unit, a stepper motor, a swing arm, a set of beveled gears, a control rod, and a
control valve with an output rod. Two electronic sensors tell the ECU how fast the car is
going.
The yoke is a major mechanical component of this electro-hydraulic design.
The position of the control yoke varies with vehicle road speed. For example, at speeds
below 33 mph (53 km/h), the yoke is in its downward position, which results in the rear
wheels steering in the counter phase (opposite front wheels) direction. As road speeds
approach and exceed 33 mph (53 km/h), the control yoke swings up through a neutral
(horizontal) position to an up position. In the neutral position, the rear wheels steer in
phase with the front wheels.
The stepper motor moves the control yoke. A swing arm is attached to the
control yoke. The position of the yoke determines the arc of the swing rod. The arc of the
swing arm is transmitted through a control arm that passes through a large bevel gear.
Stepper motor action eventually causes a push-or-pull movement of its output shaft to
steer the rear wheels up to a maximum of 5 degrees in either direction.
The electronically controlled, 4WS system regulates the angle and direction
of the rear wheels in response to speed and driver's steering. This speed-sensing system
optimizes the vehicle's dynamic characteristics at any speed, thereby producing enhanced
stability and, within certain parameters, agility.

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Dept. of Mechanical Engg.
PAACET

Four-Wheel Steering System

4. ACTUAL 4WS
The actual 4WS system consists of a rack and pinion front steering that is
hydraulically powered by a main twin-tandem pump. The system also has a rear-steering
mechanism, hydraulically powered by the main pump. The rear-steering shaft extends
from the rack bar of the front-steering assembly to the rear-steering-phase control unit.
The rear steering is comprised of the input end of the rear-steering shaft,
vehicle speed sensors, and steering-phase control unit (deciding direction and degree), a
power cylinder, and an output rod. A centering lock spring is incorporated that locks the
rear system in a neutral (straight-ahead) position in the event of hydraulic failure.
Additionally, a solenoid valve that disengages the hydraulic boost (thereby activating the
centering lock spring in case of an electrical failure) is included.

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Dept. of Mechanical Engg.
PAACET

Four-Wheel Steering System

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5. FAIL-SAFE MEASURES
All 4WS systems have fail-safe measures. For example, with the electrohydraulic setup, the system automatically counteracts possible causes of failure: both
electronic and hydraulic, and converts the entire steering system to a conventional twowheel steering type. Specifically, if a hydraulic defect should reduce pressure level (by a
movement malfunction or a broken driving belt), the rear-wheel-steering mechanism is
automatically locked in a neutral position, activating a low-level warning light.
In the event of an electrical failure, it would be detected by a self-diagnostic
circuit integrated in the four wheel-steering control unit. The control unit stimulates a
solenoid valve, which neutralizes hydraulic pressure, thereby alternating the system to
two-wheel steering. The failure would be indicated by the system's warning light in the
main instrument display.
On any 4WS system, there must be near-perfect compliance between the
position of the steering wheel, the position of the front wheels, and the position of the
rear wheels. It is usually recommended that the car be driven about 20 feet (6 meters) in a
dead-straight line. Then, the position of the front/rear wheels is checked with respect to
steering wheel position. The base reference point is a strip of masking tape on the
steering wheel hub and the steering column. When the wheel is positioned dead center,
draw a line down the tape. Run the car a short distance straight ahead to see if the
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Dept. of Mechanical Engg.
PAACET

Four-Wheel Steering System

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reference line holds. If not, corrections are needed, such as repositioning the steering
wheel.
Even severe imbalance of a rear wheel on a speed sensitive 4WS system
can cause problems and make basic troubleshooting a bit frustrating.

6. ADVANTAGES OF 4WS
The vehicle's cornering behavior becomes more stable and controllable at
high speeds as well as on wet or slippery road surfaces.
The vehicle's response to steering input becomes quicker and more precise
throughout the vehicle's entire speed range.
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Dept. of Mechanical Engg.
PAACET

Four-Wheel Steering System

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The vehicle's straight-line stability at high speeds is improved. Negative

effects of road irregularities and crosswinds on the vehicle's stability are minimized.
Stability in lane changing at high speeds is improved. The vehicle is less
likely to go into a spin even in situations in which the driver must make a sudden and
relatively large change of direction.
By steering the rear wheels in the direction opposite the front wheels at low
speeds, the vehicle's turning circle is greatly reduced. Therefore, vehicle maneuvering on
narrow roads and during parking becomes easier.

7. APPLICATIONS OF 4WS
Some of the vehicles in which the 4WS is applied are:
7.1

Chevrolet Suburban 2500:

The purely electronic system works so that, at low speed, the rear

wheels turn the opposite direction of the front wheels, thus shortening the turning circle.
At higher speeds all four wheels turn in the same direction for better stability in lane
change maneuvers. The system works spectacularly well with the Suburban and the
turning circle diameter drops down from 44.5 feet to 35.2 feet. There is a switch to turn
the system off and the Suburban drives like a regular two-wheel steering machine and, in
contrast, it feels quite ponderous.
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Dept. of Mechanical Engg.
PAACET

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Unfortunately the four-wheel steering system also pushes the width of the
Sub out past 80 inches. But the very worst thing about the four-wheel steering system is
its $4495 option cost. Hopefully as the four-wheel steering system becomes more
ubiquitous across the GM range of products the cost of the system will drop.
7.2

GM Concept Truck:
QUADRASTEERTM (four-wheel steering system) by Delphi is featured on

General Motor Corp.'s GMC Terradyne concept vehicle.

QUADRASTEERTM by Delphi

is an electronic four-wheel steering system that enables vehicles to significantly improve

handling and maneuverability in full-size vehicles. Based on tests with full-size SUVs
and pickup trucks, QUADRASTEER by Delphi reduces the minimum turning circle
diameter by an average of 19 percent. In fact, one full-size pickup's turning radius was
reduced from 46.2 feet to 37.4 feet, making it comparable to a Nissan Ultima at 37.4 feet
and a Saturn Coupe at 37.1 feet.
QUADRASTEERTM by Delphi combines conventional front-wheel steering
with an electrically powered rear-wheel steering system. The system has four main
components - a front-wheel position sensor, steerable solid hypoid rear axle, electric
motor-driven actuator, and control unit. Hand wheel position and vehicle speed sensors
continuously report data to the control unit, which in turn determines the appropriate
angle of the rear wheels. Algorithms are then used to determine the correct phase of
operation. The QUADRASTEERTM by Delphi Systems also provides a controlled return
to regular two-wheel steering if the four-wheel steering system is damaged.
7.3

Jeep Hurricane:
The Jeep Hurricane, a radical off-road machine with two 5.7 litre V8

engines features a turn radius of absolutely zero, using skid steer capability and toe steer:
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Dept. of Mechanical Engg.
PAACET

Four-Wheel Steering System

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the ability to turn both front and rear tires inward. In addition, the vehicle features two
modes of automated four-wheel steering.
The first is traditional with the rear tires turning in the opposite direction of
the front to reduce the turning circle. The second mode is an innovation targeted to offroad drivers: the vehicle can turn all four wheels in the same direction for nimble crab
steering. This allows the vehicle to move sideways without changing the direction the
vehicle is pointing. The multi-mode four-wheel steering system offers killer performance
and maneuverability.

Figure 4. Jeep Hurricane

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Dept. of Mechanical Engg.
PAACET

Four-Wheel Steering System

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Figure 5. Ford Suburban 2500

8. CONCLUSION
Thus the four-wheel steering system has got cornering capability, steering
response, straight-line stability, lane changing and low-speed maneuverability. Even
though it is advantageous over the conventional two-wheel steering system, 4WS is
complex and expensive. Currently the cost of a vehicle with four wheel steering is more
than that for a vehicle with the conventional two wheel steering. Four wheel steering is
growing in popularity and it is likely to come in more and more new vehicles. As the
systems become more commonplace the cost of four wheel steering will drop.

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Dept. of Mechanical Engg.
PAACET

Four-Wheel Steering System

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REFERENCES
1. Automotive Technology-A Systems Approach, Jack Erjavec.
2. Automotive Suspension and Steering Systems, Thomas W Birch.
3.

Automotive Service-Inspection, Maintenance, Repair, Tim Gilles.

4. http:\\www.howstuffworks.com
5. http:\\www.howhurricaneworks.com
6. http:\\www.thecarconnection.com
7. http:\\www.theautochannel.com
8. http:\\www.delphiauto.com

________________________________________________________________________
Dept. of Mechanical Engg.
PAACET