Autosteer retrofits
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AUTOSTEER Controls of Yeadon, West Yorkshire has completed an order worth more than f_24,000 for 60 of its air-operated power steering systems as part of a retrofit programme for Bedford CJQ, M and TK1260 models owned by a customer in Oman.
The system works from a vehicle's existing compressed air supply provided for the brakes. Its operation relies on a comparison of the adhesion between roads and tyres depending on speed and road conditions and the amount of effort exerted by the driver on the steering wheel. Once this effort exceeds a specific upper limit, a rotary air valve located in the hub of the Autosteer steering wheel meters air into the appropriate side of a power ram connected to the steering gearbox drop arm.
Assistance is therefore given only when necessary and the vehicle remains under normal manual control at all other times. Should the engine fail, the vehicle can still be driven without loss of steering assistance.
As a safety measure an air reserve tank is also fitted which features a non-return valve to prevent the braking being affected.