Description & Operation

The major components of the power steering system are the steering wheel, steering column and shaft assembly, intermediate shaft, power steering gear, tie rods, steering knuckles, power steering pump and hoses.

When steering wheel is turned, steering gear input shaft/pinion gear teeth mesh with horizontal rack teeth to move rack left or right. Rack is connected to steering knuckles by inner tie rods and tie rod ends.

Engine mounted belt driven power steering pump supplies pressurized fluid to the steering gear input shaft. Shaft contains a spool valve that directs fluid to either side of the rack piston, depending on turning direction. Fluid pressure reduces the effort required to turn the steering wheel.