Since its launch, Volvo Dynamic Steering has helped prevent accidents and made truck drivers’ day-to-day work safer. Peter Een is an experienced truck driver who believes the system averted what would otherwise have been a serious incident.
Peter Een had just unloaded a consignment of timber and was on his way back to his employer – Sundbergs Åkeri in Herrljunga, Sweden – when, suddenly, he heard a loud bang. The tire on his front right wheel had exploded. “You immediately go into panic mode,” says Peter, who has been driving trucks for nearly 50 years. “The last time it happened, I swerved across the entire road before managing to come to a stop in the left lane. It was pure luck that I came out of it as well as I did.”
But this time Peter did not need to rely on luck – he had Volvo Dynamic Steering. Despite travelling at 80 km/h, the truck stayed perfectly on course. “It turned out that the tire had come off, and I was driving on the rim. It cut through the asphalt like a knife. Without Volvo Dynamic Steering, I would never have been able to keep the truck on the road, and it could have ended really badly.”
Ordinarily, when a tire blowout occurs on a front wheel, the initial explosion and the escaping air causes the front wheels to steer and the vehicle to tilt which will make the vehicle deviate from its course. It is then up to the driver to immediately seize control of the steering wheel and keep the truck on the road.
However, on this occasion, sensors in the Volvo Dynamic Steering unit immediately detected the involuntary steering movements caused by the blowout. The Volvo Dynamic Steering control unit, which controls the steering, was then able to reduce these movements, thus supporting the driver in keeping the vehicle on course.
“A front wheel tire blowout can affect the steering wheel angle by up to 80 degrees,” says Jan-Inge Svensson, Product Owner Steering Software, who helped develop Volvo Dynamic Steering.
“This can cause the vehicle to veer to the side in a split second and the consequences can be fatal. Volvo Dynamic Steering has been designed to reduce these movements and give the driver more time to react. Of course, it depends on the circumstances to what extent it will be able to support the driver to avoid an accident.”
Lane departures caused by tire blowouts is just one accident type that can potentially be prevented by Volvo Dynamic Steering. Another is skidding, thanks to one of its functions, Stability Assist. It works through a combination of Volvo Dynamic Steering and Electronic Stability Control, which uses the vehicle’s sensors to monitor the stability of the vehicle.
If the slightest skidding tendency is detected, for example if the rear wheels are losing grip, the system automatically provides light counter steering assistance in the opposite direction to help stabilise the vehicle.
Tire blowouts are not the most common cause of lane departure accidents. More often they are caused by driver fatigue or inattention. The Volvo Dynamic Steering enabled Lane Keeping Assist is designed to help in such situations. It is automatically activated when the truck reaches 55 km/h and continuously monitors the truck’s position, using a camera to track lane markings. When it detects that the truck is drifting outside of its lane, it sends a signal to Volvo Dynamic Steering, which in turn provides a gentle counter steer to help correct its course. The driver is also alerted via vibration in the steering wheel.
While traffic accidents are the most obvious hazard that comes with truck driving, one of the biggest occupational hazards in the longer term is the physical strain that comes with driving, particularly to the driver’s neck, back and shoulders. This is caused by long hours sitting in one spot, having to continuously make small adjustments to the steering and it can be compounded by situations like having to drive on slopes, uneven roads or in areas with strong crosswinds.
However, Volvo Dynamic Steering has the capacity to detect such conditions, and automatically adjust the steering accordingly. This then relieves the driver of much of the burden of continuously manually correcting the steering angle.
Within Volvo Dynamic Steering’s Personal Settings, drivers can also make adjustments to the responsiveness of the steering wheel to suit their circumstances and personal preferences. They can choose from pre-programmed settings that are designed to deliver optimal steering for different road types and situations, or freely adjust different parameters for full customisation.
“Driving a truck for long periods takes its toll on a driver’s shoulders and back, but with Volvo Dynamic Steering, steering becomes much easier,” says Jan-Inge.
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from BWHY.
“It helps eliminate the many small and continuous disturbances that can wear down a driver and thereby it contributes to a much better working environment. As a result, the driver is more relaxed and less fatigued. They can also concentrate more on the road and their surroundings, making them a safer driver too.”
This has certainly been Peter Een’s experience: “With Volvo Dynamic Steering, there are no problems to maneuver and reverse with a load. You are also not affected by crosswinds in the same way; it's so much more stable to drive. It's like a different truck.”
Hydraulic steering systems are integral to the performance and handling of modern trucks, playing a pivotal role in ensuring these large vehicles navigate roads safely and efficiently. This article delves deep into how these systems function, their benefits, and their critical components. With a detailed look at the various parts, such as pumps, hoses, and steering gears, we’ll explore how they all work together to facilitate smooth and responsive steering. Ensuring these components are well-maintained and adequately configured is critical to maximizing the system’s efficiency and the vehicle’s overall safety. By understanding these elements, drivers, and mechanics can better appreciate the complex mechanics behind the steering wheel.
The essence of a hydraulic steering system lies in its ability to amplify the driver’s input force, allowing for easier maneuvering of heavy trucks. The hydraulic pump, typically driven by the truck’s engine, is at the heart of this system. This pump circulates hydraulic fluid under pressure to various steering system components. When a driver turns the steering wheel, this action is translated into fluid movement through a series of hoses and channels, ultimately reaching the steering gear. The smooth operation of this system ensures that drivers can handle their vehicles with confidence and precision. This dynamic flow of hydraulic fluid makes steering responsive and reliable under varied driving conditions.
Maintaining a hydraulic steering system’s efficiency hinges on its components’ quality and reliability. Products like Adaptall fittings exemplify solutions designed to ensure secure, leak-free connections within the hydraulic system. Their high-quality design and materials provide enhanced durability, reducing the frequency and costs associated with maintenance and repairs. However, these are just one example among various parts such as connectors and other essential parts tailored for different types of trucks and their specific hydraulic systems. The integrity of these components is crucial because any leakage can result in a loss of hydraulic pressure, which diminishes steering assistance and potentially compromises vehicle safety. System components must be robust and ideally suited to their function to maintain optimal system performance.
The steering gear, a crucial component, utilizes this hydraulic pressure to assist in turning the wheels. The fluid’s force is applied to a piston connected to the steering linkage, moving the wheels left or right. This mechanism significantly reduces the physical effort required to turn the steering wheel, which is especially important in heavy vehicles like trucks where direct mechanical linkages would require much more force. As a result, the system enhances driver comfort and improves vehicle safety, allowing for precise control in diverse driving situations.
The longevity of a hydraulic steering system also depends on regular maintenance. This includes checking the hydraulic fluid levels, inspecting hoses and connections for wear or damage, and promptly replacing worn-out parts. Ensuring that the system is free from air and debris is crucial, as these can cause a decrease in performance and even system failure. Routine checks and timely repairs help maintain the system’s efficiency, keeping the truck reliable on long hauls. Proper maintenance extends the system’s life and ensures that the car remains responsive and safe under all conditions.
Another key benefit of hydraulic steering systems in modern trucks is their adaptability to various driving conditions. The system can be adjusted or tuned to offer different levels of steering assistance based on the vehicle’s speed, load, and road conditions. This adaptability is achieved through advanced valves and sensors that adjust the flow and pressure of the hydraulic fluid. As technology advances, so do hydraulic steering systems. Recent developments include integrating electronic controls that work alongside the hydraulic components. These electronic hydraulic steering systems offer improved accuracy and feedback, providing truck drivers a more intuitive driving experience.
The company is the world’s best Truck Steering supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.