Active front steering actuator and method for controlling a vehicle

An active front steering actuator for use between a steering column and a steering gear of a vehicle, comprising:

• an intermediate shaft being connectable to said steering column such that rotation of said steering column transmits a first rotational force to said intermediate shaft;
• an electric motor being configured to generate a second rotational force on a rotor shaft upon application of an electric current, said electric motor being configured such that said second rotational force is reversible;
• means for transmitting either or both of said first rotational force and said second rotational force to a lower shaft of said steering gear;
• a first stopping device being configured to generate a first resisting force upon application of said electric current, said first resisting force being sufficient to prevent said first rotational force from being transmitted from said intermediate shaft to said rotor shaft by said transmitting means;
• a second stopping device disposed on said intermediate shaft, said second stopping device being configured to generate a second resisting force upon application of said electric current, said second resisting force being sufficient to prevent said second rotational force from being transmitted from said rotor shaft to said steering column by said transmitting means;
• and
• a controller being configured to operate said steering actuator in a first mode, a second mode or a third mode by selectively applying said electric current to one, or more of said electric motor, said first stopping device, and said second stopping device.