Four Wheel Steering From Delphi

Delphi Automotive Systems launched a new electronically controlled four wheel steer system entitled Quadrasteer. The system was demonstrated on a full size General Motors truck. According to Paul J.

Tosch, president of Delphi Saginaw Steering Systems the system offers a benefit to drivers every time they step into their vehicles, unlike four wheel drive which only gets used perhaps four or five times a year”. Conventionally steered vehicles steer by the front two wheels and the rear wheels trail behind. The process of steering remains the same throughout the speed range.

Quadrasteer changes this by electronically linking the rear wheels to the steering wheels. At low speeds the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction from the front wheels, creating a tighter turning circle, at town driving speeds the rear wheels remain in a dead ahead position allowing the car to dive normally. However, at high speeds the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front, allowing for lane changing at speed to minimise vehicle yaw, or rotational movement.

When used in towing scenarios the high speed stability of the tow vehicle reduces the likelihood of swaying, whilst at manoeuvring speeds the tighter turning circle makes reversing and towing in tight confines much less stressful as the trailer wheels now tend to follow the path of the vehicle wheels. Test on full sized pick-up trucks and SUV’s showed that the system could reduce turning circles from 14.08 metres to 11.