Description & Operation

Power rack and pinion steering system uses rotary control valve to direct hydraulic fluid to either side of integral rack piston. Tie rods connect steering gear (rack and pinion) to steering knuckles. Loosely fitted pinion drive-tangs will provide manual steering control in case of system malfunction.

Steering wheel movement is transmitted by steering shaft to pinion through 2 universal joint couplings. Steering gear rack and pinion assembly converts rotational movement of pinion to transverse movement of rack.

An idle quality power steering pressure switch is used on some FWD vehicles with 3.0L, 3.3L and 3.8L engines. When signal is received from switch indicating additional power steering load on engine, Power Train Control Module increases engine idle speed.

Several styles of Saginaw vane submerged power steering pumps are used depending on engine size and type. See Fig 1 and Fig 2 . See the POWER STEERING PUMP APPLICATION  table. Only fluid reservoirs, caps and pulleys are replaceable on Saginaw pumps. On Ham Can type pump reservoirs, seals and "O" rings are serviceable. See Figure . On T/C type pumps, the flow control valve "O" ring is also replaceable. See Figure . Internal components are non-serviceable. If pump, reservoir or cap fails or leaks, that part should be replaced.

Fig 1: Identifying Saginaw Ham Can Type Pump

Courtesy of CHRYSLER CORP.

Fig 2: Identifying Saginaw T/C Type Pump

Courtesy of CHRYSLER CORP.