This paper deals with energy-saving effort in the hydraulic power steering system. Commonly, the hydraulic power steering systems are used for passenger cars and the reduction of pumping loss under non-steering condition is important to improve fuel economy. Experiments and simulations are performed simultaneously to examine the main factors to reduce the pumping loss-pressure loss and flow rate of the power steering systems. Fuel economy effect of the optimal design of power steering system is verified by vehicle test - more than 1% fuel consuming reduction is attained.