Steering: Description and Operation

The power steering pump, driven by the engine crankshaft through belts and pulleys, develops the hydraulic fluid flow to operate the steering system. When the steering wheel is turned, the steering gear converts this hydraulic flow into mechanical motion. Fluid is drawn into the vane-type pump from the reservoir when the engine is running. The fluid is pressurized by the power steering pump and forced into the steering gear. If pump pressure exceeds the limits of the system, a pressure regulator valve returns part of the fluid to the inlet side of the pump.