Steering: Description and Operation

This vehicle is equipped with a speed-sensitive variable-assist power steering system as standard equipment on all models.

The power steering system consists of these six major components. Power Steering Pump, Power Steering Gear, Power Steering Reservoir, Power Steering Supply and Pressure Hoses, and Power Steering Fluid Return Hose. 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 power steering 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 steering effort increases as in a turn, the torsion bar twists, causing relative rotary motion between the rotary valve body and valve spool. This movement directs oil behind the integral rack piston, which in turn, builds up hydraulic pressure and assists in the turning effort.