Does electric power steering still have a pump?
Most modern electric power steering (EPS) systems do not rely on a hydraulic pump—the steering assist is provided by an electric motor. A small subset of systems, known as electric hydraulic power steering (EHPS), does use a hydraulic pump driven by an electric motor to create hydraulic pressure.
This article explains how EPS works, how it differs from traditional hydraulic steering, and what that means for maintenance and driving feel. It also explains how to tell which type your vehicle uses and why automakers are moving toward EPS in most new cars.
What EPS is and how it differs from hydraulic steering
Electric power steering uses an electric motor and a control unit to assist steering, rather than relying on engine-driven hydraulic pressure. In pure EPS, no hydraulic fluid or pump is required; the assist is generated electronically and transmitted to the steering mechanism through gears or a motor connected to the rack or column.
Two common configurations
The following configurations cover the vast majority of passenger vehicles today:
- Pure electric power steering (EPS) — electric motor provides steering assist directly to the steering mechanism; no hydraulic pump or fluid is involved.
- Electric hydraulic power steering (EHPS) — electric motor drives a hydraulic pump that pressurizes fluid to assist the steering gear.
In practice, most new cars use EPS with no pump, while a minority use EHPS. Some older vehicles still rely on conventional hydraulic power steering, which uses an engine-driven pump but does not provide electrical assist.
How to tell which type your car uses
Check your vehicle’s fluid system and documentation. If there is no power steering fluid reservoir or belt-driven pump near the engine, you likely have EPS. If you see a hydraulic pump, hoses, and an accessible reservoir powered by an electric motor, you likely have EHPS or a traditional hydraulic system.
Consult the owner’s manual or dealer specifications to confirm the exact configuration for your model. Systems marketed as “electric power steering” are generally EPS; those described as “electric hydraulic power steering” are EHPS.
Maintenance and driving considerations
Maintenance implications differ between EPS configurations. Pure EPS reduces fluid maintenance but relies on a robust electrical system and software calibration. EHPS maintains hydraulic lines and fluid, which can require leak checks and occasional fluid replacement. In any EPS family, a healthy 12-volt battery and reliable electrical system are essential, because steering assist can depend on sensors and control units as well as the motor itself.
- Battery and electrical health can affect steering feel in EPS.
- Hydraulic leaks or pump issues may appear in EHPS configurations.
- Software updates can adjust steering feel and assist level in EPS-equipped vehicles.
If you notice unusual stiffness, delay, noise when turning, or a loss of assist, a professional diagnostic can determine whether the issue is with the electrical control, the motor, or the hydraulic components (if present).
Bottom line
In most modern vehicles, electric power steering does not require a traditional engine-driven pump. When a pump is present, it typically belongs to an EHPS configuration—an electric motor drives a hydraulic pump to generate assist. The automotive trend is toward EPS systems with no pump, offering improved efficiency and software-based tuning, while EHPS remains in use in some models and markets.
Summary: EPS is predominating in new cars, and it usually means no hydraulic pump. EHPS systems do use a pump, but pure EPS systems do not. To know which configuration applies to your car, check the owner’s manual or ask a dealer; understanding the setup can help with maintenance and any future repairs.
