Steering System: Operation
Turning of the steering wheel is converted into linear travel through the meshing of the helical pinion teeth with the rack teeth. Power assist steering is provided by an open center, rotary type control valve. It is used to direct oil from the power steering pump to either side of the integral steering rack piston.
Road feel is controlled by the diameter of a torsion bar which initially steers the vehicle. As steering effort increases as in a turn, the torsion bar twists, causing relative rotary motion between the rotary valve body and valve spool. This movement directs oil behind the integral rack piston, which in turn builds up hydraulic pressure and assists in the turning effort.
WARNING:
POWER STEERING OIL, ENGINE COMPONENTS AND EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY BE EXTREMELY HOT IF ENGINE HAS BEEN RUNNING. DO NOT START ENGINE WITH ANY LOOSE OR DISCONNECTED HOSES OR DRIVE BELTS. DO NOT ALLOW HOSES TO TOUCH HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYST.
CAUTION:
During repair procedures requiring the power steering fluid hoses to be disconnected, cap all open ends of the hose connections. This will prevent the entry of foreign material into the components while the power steering hoses are disconnected.