Manual Steering System: Description
The manual rack-and-pinion steering gear is sealed against the entry of water or foreign material by rubber boots enclosing the tie rod inboard ends at each end of the housing and by a third boot surrounding the pinion shaft and steering column intermediate shaft. The steering gear is lubricated at assembly and must be removed and disassembled if lubrication becomes necessary.
The rack is positioned and guided in the housing by a bushing at the right end and a support yoke holding it in engagement with the pinion at the left end. The support yoke is spring-loaded against the rack. A yoke plug and lock nut keeps the rack fully engaged with the pinion under load.
Rubber insulating mounts at each end of the housing cushion the steering gear mounting points and minimize vibration. Looseness or deterioration of the mounts can cause noise and vibration problems. These should be checked when investigating for such concerns.