The design of the VES power rack and pinion assembly is the same as for a non-VES system except for differences in valve machining. Steering wheel movement is transferred to the pinion. The pinion moves the rack left or right through meshing pinion and rack teeth. The force is then transmitted through the tie rod ends and the steering knuckles in order to steer the wheels.

The power steering gear system has a rotary control valve which directs hydraulic fluid coming from the hydraulic pump to one side or the other side of the rack piston. The integral rack piston is attached to the rack. The rack piston converts hydraulic pressure to a linear force which moves the rack left or right. The force is then transmitted through the inner and outer tie rods to the struts which turn the wheels.

If hydraulic assist is not available, manual control will be maintained. This will require more steering effort. The movement of the steering wheel is transferred to the pinion. The movement of the pinion is then transferred through the pinion teeth. The pinion teeth mesh with the teeth on the rack. This causes the rack to move.