Steering: Description and Operation

Power steering components
The power steering system has a rack and pinion design.
The power steering system consists of the following components:
^ Steering shaft
^ Steering gear & linkage
^ Tie rods & tie rod ends
^ Power steering pump
^ Power steering oil pump
^ Oil pipes & hoses
^ Power steering oil cooler

Power steering pump
The power steering pump is mounted on the front of the engine. The power steering pump is a vane type design and is driven by the crankshaft through a P/S drive belt. Power steering fluid is drawn into the power steering pump from the power steering pump reservoir when engine is running.
The fluid is pressurized by the rotation of the rotor and vanes, then sent to the steering gear.

Power steering gear
The power steering gear input shaft and control is a one-piece unit.
It is the only valve assembly serviced within the steering gear housing.

Hoses, Pressure and return
Since most fluid leaks occur at the hose fittings and connections in a power steering hydraulic system, these parts should be check before any parts are replaced. Note the possible leak locations for the power steering system.

Hydraulic operation
The power steering pump, which is driven by the crankshaft through a P/S drive belt and pulleys, develops the hydraulic pressure necessary to operate the system.
When the steering wheel is turned, the steering gear converts this hydraulic pressure and flow into mechanical motion that will move the front wheels in the direction of the turn.
Fluid is drawn into the vane type power steering pump from the power steering pump reservoir when the engine is running.