Electric power assist torque check

A method for controlling power steering, the method comprising:

• providing a power steering system for a vehicle selected from the group consisting of an automobile and a truck ;
• measuring a steering torque by a driver of the vehicle;
• measuring an output torque of the power steering system using an algorithm;
• comparing the output torque of the power steering system with the steering torque by the driver;
• and
• adjusting the output of the power steering system if a relationship between the output torques does not meet specified criteria.

A power steering system for a vehicle comprising:

• a steering system connected to two steered wheels of a vehicle selected from the group consisting of an automobile and a truck, said steering system having an assist mechanism for power steering using at least one motor;
• a sensor connected to a steering wheel in the steering system, the sensor capable of sensing a steering torque;
• and
• at least one controller receiving inputs from the sensor and the motor and running an algorithm for calculating an output of the assist mechanism,
• wherein the controller compares the output of the assist mechanism with the steering torque to determine whether a relationship between the output of the assist mechanism and the steering torque is appropriate for a desirable level of assistance.

A power steering system for a vehicle comprising:

• a steering system connected to two steered wheels of a vehicle, said steering system having a power assist mechanism with a motor;
• a sensor connected to a steering wheel in the steering system for sensing a steering torque;
• and
• at least one controller receiving inputs from the sensor and the motor and running an algorithm for calculating an output of the assist mechanism,
• wherein the controller compares the output of the assist mechanism with the steering torque to determine whether a relationship between the output of the assist mechanism and the steering torque is appropriate for a desired level or assistance.