Steering: Description and Operation

DESCRIPTION
The power steering system has a typical rack and pinion design. The power steering system consists of the following components:
^ Steering wheel
^ Steering column
^ Steering gear
^ Power steering pump
^ Power steering oil reservoir
^ Power steering pressure hose
^ Power steering return hose
^ Reservoir return hose
^ Front wheel spindle tie rod
^ Tie rod end

MECHANICAL OPERATION
The steering column shaft, the steering column lower yoke, the lower steering column shaft and the power steering gear input shaft and control transfer the rotary motion of the steering wheel to the steering gear. The steering gear converts the rotary motion into side-to-side motion. The front wheel spindle tie rods and tie rod ends connect the steering gear to the front wheel spindles. The front wheel spindles convert the side-to-side motion into the turning motion of the wheels.

HYDRAULIC OPERATION
The power steering pump, which is driven by the crankshaft through a 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 moves the front wheels in the direction of the turn.

The vane type power steering pump draws fluid from the power steering oil reservoir when the engine is running.

The rotation of the rotor and vanes pressurizes the fluid and forces the fluid into the steering gear. A control valve located in the pump housing regulates pump output pressure.