6 ms·

Why would the engine be required for the brakes and steeri g to function? Am i taking crazy pills here?

• dylan604 6y ago
  Ever tried to turn the steering wheel when the engine is not running? Power steering[0] uses a hydraulic system to make steering the car nearly effortless compared to cars without it. The weight of the car and the rubber of the tires on the ground causes a lot of friction (the actual force moving the car down the road). That friction makes it difficult to just move the wheel. Power steering is one of the many pulleys the engine belt is threaded. Brakes are also hydraulically operated. Ever pump the brakes in your car when the engine isn't running? That gets very difficult as well without the assist of the running engine. [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_steering https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_steering
  • TylerE 6y ago
    That is true a parking lot speeds, but power steering is a non-factor above about 15 mph. Doubly true in a mid/rear engined supercar with only about 35% of the weight on the front wheels to begin with.
  • mikestew 6y ago
    Slight clarification: the brakes don't work as well because the vacuum booster isn't operating (no running motor to create the vacuum for the boosting). The reason the brakes get more difficult with each pump (when the engine isn't running) is because you're gradually using what little vacuum boost is left, until there just isn't any. And if you'll allow me just a teensy bit more pedantry, you are also turning against the power steering pump when the engine is off. Our '81 VW camper doesn't have power steering, and it isn't as hard to turn as a car with power steering but a non-running engine.