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. See Fig 1 . Loosely fitted pinion drive-tangs will provide manual steering control in case of system malfunction.

Fig 1: Identifying Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear (Typical)

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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 lateral movement of rack.

Engine size and type will determine which style of Saginaw vane submerged power steering pump is used on the vehicle. Refer to the specifications in the POWER STEERING PUMP APPLICATION  table below. Also see Fig 2 and Fig 3 . Only fluid reservoirs, caps, flow control valve "O" ring, and pulleys are replaceable on Saginaw pumps. On P-Series type pumps, reservoir, seals and "O" rings are serviceable. Internal components are non-serviceable. If pump, reservoir or cap fails or leaks, defective part should be replaced.

Fig 2: Identifying Saginaw P-Series Type Pump Components

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Fig 3: Identifying Saginaw TC-Series Type Pump Components

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