stiff steering
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 19
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stiff steering
recent stiffness re steering with my 06
apparently I need ebcm assembly, but difficult to locate
asking if others have experienced this .looking for help/suggestions and possible sources for this part
apparently I need ebcm assembly, but difficult to locate
asking if others have experienced this .looking for help/suggestions and possible sources for this part
Moderator, Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 15,551
Likes: 4,024
From: Cape Coral, Florida
So do you have VES (Variable Effort Steering) and I believe the RPO code is NV7 ??…did you check for DTC’s ??…you won’t be able to read these with a cheap code reader…you will need a factory level scan tool ??..why do you think you “apparently” need an EBCM ??…the DTC’s would be a “C” or chassis code…maybe C1241.
Variable Effort Steering System Description and Operation
The Variable Effort Steering (VES) system, or MAGNASTEER II(r) varies the amount of effort required to steer the vehicle as vehicle speed changes or lateral acceleration occurs. At low speeds, the system provides minimal steering effort for easy turning and parking maneuvers. At high speeds, the system provides firmer steering (road feel) and directional stability. When the system senses lateral acceleration, steering becomes firmer to reduce oversteering. The Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) controls a bi-directional magnetic rotary actuator located in the steering rack and pinion. The EBCM varies the steering assist by adjusting the current flow through the actuator. The actuator adjusts the amount of power steering assist to achieve a given level of effort to steer the vehicle. The VES system accomplishes this by adding or subtracting torque on the input shaft to the rack and pinion. The main component of the system is an electromagnetic actuator, which consists of a multiple-pole ring-style permanent magnet, a pole piece, and an electromagnetic coil assembly. The VES system uses the Antilock Brake System (ABS) wheel speed sensor inputs to determine vehicle speed. When the EBCM senses vehicle speed, it commands a current to the actuator that is most appropriate for each speed. The system also uses inputs such as Handwheel position, wheelbase, understeer coefficient and steering ratio to calculate lateral acceleration. The EBCM commands current from negative two amps to positive three amps to the actuator, which is polarized. At low speeds, a negative current is commanded, which assists steering. At medium speeds, no current is commanded and steering is assisted by hydraulics only. At high speeds, a positive current is commanded, which creates steering resistance. Ignition voltage and ground are provided through the EBCM. The EBCM has the ability to detect malfunctions in the actuator or the circuitry to the actuator. Any malfunctions detected will cause the system to ramp to zero amps and steering will be assisted by hydraulics only.
Steering Effort Hard or Too Easy In One or Both Directions
Steps 1 - 4
Variable Effort Steering
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Variable Effort Steering System Description and Operation
The Variable Effort Steering (VES) system, or MAGNASTEER II(r) varies the amount of effort required to steer the vehicle as vehicle speed changes or lateral acceleration occurs. At low speeds, the system provides minimal steering effort for easy turning and parking maneuvers. At high speeds, the system provides firmer steering (road feel) and directional stability. When the system senses lateral acceleration, steering becomes firmer to reduce oversteering. The Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) controls a bi-directional magnetic rotary actuator located in the steering rack and pinion. The EBCM varies the steering assist by adjusting the current flow through the actuator. The actuator adjusts the amount of power steering assist to achieve a given level of effort to steer the vehicle. The VES system accomplishes this by adding or subtracting torque on the input shaft to the rack and pinion. The main component of the system is an electromagnetic actuator, which consists of a multiple-pole ring-style permanent magnet, a pole piece, and an electromagnetic coil assembly. The VES system uses the Antilock Brake System (ABS) wheel speed sensor inputs to determine vehicle speed. When the EBCM senses vehicle speed, it commands a current to the actuator that is most appropriate for each speed. The system also uses inputs such as Handwheel position, wheelbase, understeer coefficient and steering ratio to calculate lateral acceleration. The EBCM commands current from negative two amps to positive three amps to the actuator, which is polarized. At low speeds, a negative current is commanded, which assists steering. At medium speeds, no current is commanded and steering is assisted by hydraulics only. At high speeds, a positive current is commanded, which creates steering resistance. Ignition voltage and ground are provided through the EBCM. The EBCM has the ability to detect malfunctions in the actuator or the circuitry to the actuator. Any malfunctions detected will cause the system to ramp to zero amps and steering will be assisted by hydraulics only.
Steering Effort Hard or Too Easy In One or Both Directions
Steps 1 - 4
Variable Effort Steering
Open In New Tab Zoom/Print
Last edited by C5 Diag; Oct 5, 2025 at 01:40 PM.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Thank you for such a detailed reply. I am blatantly inept mechanically, Just love my car and driving it.I thought I would be problem free since it only has 25000. I must rely totally on a trusted mechanic. He advised me of his diagnosis. Thlngs are at a standstill as he has done a search and discovered that these parts seem to be unavailable. In addition the steering is still very tolerable and I will soon be storing for the winter. I decided to turn to the Forum for advice and to learn if any others had encountered this problem.
I will be sharing your message with him shortly.
thank you again
I hope that I can get back to you re resolution or further advice
Fred
I will be sharing your message with him shortly.
thank you again
I hope that I can get back to you re resolution or further advice
Fred
