Steering: Description and Operation

GENERAL
^ The power steering system uses a CIII type pump and a power rack and pinion steering gear.
^ The electronic variable orifice (EVO) power steering control valve actuator is connected to the pump body to provide variable power assist.
^ The electrical connector and casing are able to swivel. This is normal and does not indicate a loose power steering control valve actuator assembly.
^ The power steering pump reservoir for the power steering oil is mounted to the LH engine coil bracket at the front of the engine.

ELECTRONIC VARIABLE ORIFICE (EVO)
The electronic variable orifice (EVO) system is designed to vary the flow from the power steering pump as a function of vehicle speed and steering wheel rate of rotation, giving a form of variable assist. The system provides:
^ full power steering assist at low vehicle speed for light parking effort.
^ minimum assist at high speed for good road feel and directional stability.
^ high assist at high speed for sudden large steering wheel rotation for evasive maneuvers.
The electronic variable orifice (EVO) system consists of the following:
^ EVO power steering control valve actuator attached to the CIII power steering pump
^ shock absorber electronic steering sensor attached to lower steering column
^ vehicle speed sensor (VSS) located on transmission
^ data link connector located under the hood, by the passenger side shock absorber tower
^ control module located in passenger compartment on the side wall below the evaporator behind the kick panel