Steering System - Power: Description

NOTE: Some Achieva, Grand Am and Skylark vehicles are equipped with Variable Effort Steering (VES) system, identified by a solenoid on the power steering pump at the pressure line outlet. See STEERING SYSTEM - VARIABLE EFFORT article in the STEERING section.

Pump pressurizes fluid and sends it through pump flow control valve, to rotary control valve inside rack and pinion assembly. Rotary control valve directs fluid to either side of the rack piston, depending on steering wheel turning direction. Rack piston, which is attached to the rack, reduces turning effort by converting hydraulic pressure into linear force, moving rack left or right.