Steering Gear: Description and Operation

The power steering gear is mounted on the front suspension crossmember. The outer ends of the outer tie rods attach to the steering knuckles.
The power steering gear operates as follows: Turning of the steering wheel is converted into linear travel through the meshing of the helical pinion teeth with the rack teeth of the gear. Power assist steering is provided by a pump supplying fluid to either side of the integral rack piston.
Road feel is controlled by the diameter of a torsion bar which initially steers the vehicle. This movement directs oil behind the integral rack piston, which, in turn, builds up hydraulic pressure and assists in the turning effort.
The drive tangs on the pinion of the power steering gear mate loosely with a stub shaft. This is to permit manual steering control to be maintained if the drive belt on the power steering pump should break. However, under these conditions, steering effort will be increased.

NOTE: The power steering gear should not be serviced or adjusted. If a malfunction or oil leak occurs with the steering gear, the complete steering gear needs to be replaced.