Standard Steering Gear

NOTE: The power steering gear should NOT be serviced or adjusted. If a malfunction or oil leak occurs. The complete steering gear should be replaced.

The power steering system consists of these five major components. Power Steering Gear, Power Steering Pump, Pressure Hose, Return Hose and Remote 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 which directs oil from the pump to either side of the integral 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.