The power steering system consists of 3 components:
• | The power steering pump |
• | The power steering fluid reservoir |
• | The power steering rack and pinion gear |
The power steering pump is a vane-type pump providing hydraulic pressure for
the system and is powered by the engine. It draws on the power steering fluid reservoir,
which in turn is connected to the power steering gear. A pressure-relief valve inside
the flow control valve limits the pump pressure. The power steering rack and pinion
gear has a rotary control valve which directs hydraulic fluid coming from the power
steering 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 to the left or the right. The force is then transmitted
through the tie rods and the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles, which turn the
wheels.