The MAGNASTEER® is an integral part of the power steering
gear. The MAGNASTEER® actuator consists of the following components:
| • | A permanent magnet that is attached to the input shaft of the
rotary valve. |
| • | Two pole pieces that are attached to the output side of the valve
(the pinion) |
| • | An electromagnetic coil mounted in the gear housing |
When the coil is energized, a magnetic field is formed between the permanent
magnet and the pole pieces, which increases the torque on the input shaft
to the steering gear. The Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM)
controls the current flow to the coil. As the vehicle speed increases, the
EBCM increases the current flow resulting in an increase in steering effort.
Other power steering system components, while specially modified for use with
MAGNASTEER®, are similar to non-MAGNASTEER® power steering components.
