Power Steering Gear Description

NOTE: Refer to Steering Gear Preload Adjustment Notice in Cautions and Notices.

NOTE: Refer to Power Steering Hose Disconnected Notice in Cautions and Notices.

The power rack and pinion steering system has a rotary control valve which directs the hydraulic fluid coming from the hydraulic pump to one side or the other side of the rack piston. The integral rack piston is attached to the rack. The rack piston converts hydraulic pressure to a linear force which moves the rack left or right. The force is then transmitted through the inner and the outer tie rods to the steering knuckles, which turn the wheels.

If hydraulic assist is not available, manual control is maintained. However, under these conditions, more steering effort is required. The movement of the steering wheel is transferred to the pinion. The movement of the pinion is then transferred through the pinion teeth, which mesh with the teeth on the rack, causing the rack to move.

A vane-type pump provides hydraulic pressure for the system.

The boot and rack guide, the rack bearings, and the valve and pinion assembly are no longer serviceable on this vehicle. They must be replaced as whole units.