The power steering system is a closed loop system. The system consists of the following components:

The remote power steering fluid reservoir is on the right side of the engine compartment. The power steering fluid flows from the reservoir through the reservoir outlet hose to the power steering pump. The pump is in the rear of the engine compartment, on the right side of the engine. The engine drive belt rotates the pump pulley. The pulley is bolted to the pump drive shaft. The shaft turns the pump rotor. The 10 vanes in the rotor pressurize the power steering fluid. The engine speed sensing type flow control valve controls the fluid pressure. This valve reduces the fluid pressure as the engine speed increases. The fluid flows, under pressure, from the pump, through the power steering gear inlet pipe, to the steering gear.

Important: DO NOT disassemble the power steering gear.

The steering gear is a rack and pinion type steering system. The steering gear has a control valve which directs the fluid to either side of the rack piston. The piston uses hydraulic pressure to move the rack to the left and to the right. The rack moves the tie rods. The tie rods move the steering knuckles. The steering knuckles rotate on ball joints and strut bearings and turn the front wheels and tires.

The power steering fluid flows from the steering gear, through the power steering gear outlet pipe, the intermediate outlet pipe, and the reservoir inlet hose, to the reservoir. Service the reservoir inlet hose and the reservoir outlet hose as an assembly. Service the steering gear inlet pipe and the intermediate outlet pipe as an assembly. Service the steering gear outlet pipe and the steering gear outlet hose as an assembly.

If the hydraulic assist fails, the driver maintains manual steering control. Under this condition, however, the driver must use more steering effort.