Steering: Description and Operation

POWER STEERING SYSTEM
Turning of the steering wheel is converted into linear travel through the meshing of the helical pinion teeth with the rack teeth within the steering gear.
Power assist steering is provided by an open-center, rotary-type control valve. It is used to direct power steering fluid 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 fluid behind the integral rack piston, which in turn builds up hydraulic pressure and assists in the turning effort.
This vehicle comes with power steering as standard equipment and it is the only steering system available. The power steering system consists of these major components:
- POWER STEERING PUMP
- POWER STEERING GEAR
- POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR (mounted on the pump)
- POWER STEERING FLUID PRESSURE HOSE
- POWER STEERING FLUID RETURN HOSE
- POWER STEERING FLUID COOLER (on some models)

For information on the components, refer to their respective sections within this information.