Parts for your 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse cross-Power steering pump

Power Steering Pump for the 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

The 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a compact SUV that offers modern styling and practicality for urban and suburban drivers. When it comes to its steering system, this vehicle does not use a traditional power steering pump. Instead, the Eclipse Cross employs an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, which has become quite common in vehicles of this era and class.

Electric Power Steering systems do away with hydraulic power steering pumps entirely. Rather than relying on hydraulic fluids and belts driven by the engine to assist steering, EPS utilises an electric motor controlled by the vehicle's computer to provide steering assistance. This results in a few benefits that explain why Mitsubishi chose this system for the 2017 Eclipse Cross.

Unlike older hydraulic setups, EPS systems are more efficient because they only draw power when steering assistance is needed. This contributes to better fuel economy since the vehicle's engine doesn't have to constantly run a hydraulic pump. Additionally, EPS systems are generally lighter and take up less space under the bonnet, allowing for tidier engine layouts and potentially more crash space for safety.

Because the 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross uses electric power steering, there is no power steering pump to replace or maintain. This means no hydraulic fluid changes and no worries about pump leaks or drive belt wear related to hydraulic pumps. The main focus for maintenance with EPS is ensuring electrical connections are clean and intact and that the sensors and motor components remain in good condition. These systems are typically very reliable, but like any electronic system, they require proper diagnostics if steering issues arise.

For drivers and owners used to conventional hydraulic power steering, it's good to note how EPS changes the maintenance landscape:

• There is no power steering fluid reservoir or pump to check or fill.
• No drive belts connected to the steering pump that would require tensioning or replacement.
• Steering feel might be different compared to hydraulic systems, sometimes a bit lighter or with less natural road feedback, but this is by design and can be tuned electronically.

If any steering assistance problems occur, the recommended course is to have the vehicle inspected at a certified Mitsubishi service centre where diagnostic tools can check the electric motor, sensors, and electronic control unit responsible for the EPS system.

Because the system is electric rather than hydraulic, replacement parts involve the electric motor assembly or related electronic modules rather than pumps or hoses. This means replacement tends to come at a higher cost if something goes wrong, but such faults are relatively rare. Regular vehicle servicing and avoiding damage to steering components from rough terrain or accidents helps keep the EPS system working well.

In short, the absence of a power steering pump in the 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is an intentional design choice aligned with modern automotive trends toward efficiency and simplicity. Australian drivers benefit from less routine maintenance related to power steering fluids and belts, plus improved fuel economy thanks to the EPS system.

Owners should still pay attention to the usual steering system components such as tie rods, ball joints, and rack-and-pinion boots during servicing, as these mechanical parts affect steering safety and performance. Keeping tyres correctly inflated and aligned also helps the electric steering system feel its best.

Switching from a hydraulic pump-based system to electric power steering represents a step forward in automotive technology. It is a move that Mitsubishi chose for the Eclipse Cross to improve drivability, reliability, and fuel efficiency without sacrificing the precise handling expected from a compact SUV.

So whenever you are getting your 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross serviced, don't worry about a power steering pump. Instead, focus on regular checks of the electrical components and general steering system parts to keep your drives smooth and safe. The EPS setup pleasantly simplifies things and avoids the leaks and replacements traditionally linked with hydraulic systems.