A steering apparatus (10) for a vehicle having steerable wheels. The apparatus
(10) comprises a rotatable vehicle steering wheel (12) and a first
assembly (100) operatively coupled to the steering wheel. The first assembly
(100) includes a sensor (30) for sensing applied torque and angular
position of the steering wheel (12) and a first electronic control unit
(50) for generating a first signal corresponding to the sensed torque and
angular position of the steering wheel. A second assembly (100) is operatively
coupled to the steerable wheels. The second assembly (100) includes a second
electronic control unit (110) for receiving the first signal, a first electric
motor (120) controlled by the second electronic control unit, and a steering
gear (130) which is actuated by the first electric motor (120) to
turn the steerable wheels of the vehicle. A signal transmitting conductor (250)
transmits the first signal to the second electronic control unit (110).
