Steering: Description and Operation

The power steering system on this vehicle consists of following six major components. Power steering pump, power steering gear, pressure hose, return hose, pump supply hose and power steering fluid reservoir. Turning of the steering wheel is converted into linear travel through the meshing of the helical pinion teeth with the rack teeth. Power assist steering is provided by an open center, rotary type control valve. It is used to direct oil from the pump to either side of the integral steering rack piston.

Road feel is controlled by the diameter of a torsion bar which initially steers the vehicle. As required steering effort increases, as in a turn. The torsion bar twists, causing relative rotary motion between the rotary valve body and the valve spool. This movement directs oil behind the integral rack piston, which, in turn, builds up hydraulic pressure and assists in the turning effort.