Method for operating a steering system

A method for operating a steering system of a vehicle, wherein the steering system comprises a steering mechanism and at least one electric motor cooperating with the steering mechanism, the method comprising:

• determining a moisture parameter correlating with a moisture in the steering system by, bringing the steering mechanism into a defined test position and/or blocking the steering mechanism in the defined test position,
• actuating the electric motor with an excitation signal, and
• determining the moisture parameter by monitoring a motor torque of the electric motor and a rotor position angle of the electric motor during the actuation of the electric motor with the excitation signal, and by evaluating a change in the motor torque according to the rotor position angle,
• wherein the moisture parameter is compared with a limit value;
• and
• wherein a safety measure is initiated in response to the moisture parameter falling below or exceeding the limit value.