A Study in System Design and Plumbing Selection Impacts no Steering System Noise in Medium- and Heavy-Duty Commercial Vehicle Hydraulic Steering Systems

This study investigates noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) characteristics of hydraulic steering systems in medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles due to hydraulic system design. Utilizing on-vehicle and lab environment testing, primarily a pressure sweep test and speed sweep test, to identify sources of NVH. Testing demonstrated a significant impact to perceptible noise and vibration through changes to system and component design. NVH mitigation is accomplished by reducing pressure pulsations, cavitation, and turbulence within the fluid by changing hydraulic plumbing diameter. Reduction in sound pressure level (SPL) averaged 30% with peak reduction of 75%. While optimizing hose diameter is an effective method for controlling NVH in commercial vehicle hydraulic steering systems, additional studies should be conducted in optimizing plumbing materials and routing.