The power steering gear includes the following major internal components:

The steering gear rack and piston is supported at the ends in the steering gear housing. The steering gear rack and piston is sealed in order to prevent leakage across the piston. The pinion and valve intersects with the rack and piston and meshes directly with the teeth of the rack and piston.

Manual steering is always available during the following situations:

Steering effort is increased when the above conditions exists.

The power steering pump provides hydraulic pressure and fluid flow in order to move the gear components. This action occurs when the vehicle is parked or moving. The valve directs pressurized fluid during a steering maneuver. The fluid travels through the external steel cylinder lines in order to act on the rack and piston. When the vehicle is turned right, the steering valve opens and routes pressurized fluid to the left side of the piston. At the same time, the valve allows fluid to escape from the right side of the piston and return to the valve area. The fluid pressure is converted into a mechanical force which is applied to the piston. This difference in force across the piston causes the rack to move to the right. The opposite action occurs when the gear is turned to the left.

The effort to steer the vehicle is created by the pressure difference at the piston when the following conditions exist: