Steering: Description and Operation

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.

This vehicle comes with speed-sensitive variable assist power steering as standard equipment and it is the only steering system available. Full power steering assist is provided at engine idle. As engine speed is increased, power assist is gradually reduced to provide a firm, responsive feel to the steering system at higher speeds.

The power steering system consists of these major components:
- POWER STEERING PUMP
- POWER STEERING GEAR
- POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR
- POWER STEERING FLUID SUPPLY HOSE
- POWER STEERING FLUID PRESSURE HOSE
- POWER STEERING FLUID RETURN HOSE
- POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER
- POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER TUBES

For information on the first two components, refer to their respective sections. Information on the third component can be found in POWER STEERING PUMP.