Power Steering System

The power steering system consists of three components: power steering pump, power steering fluid reservoir, and the power steering rack and pinion gear. The power steering pump is a vane-type pump providing hydraulic pressure for system and is powered by engine. It draws on power steering fluid reservoir, which in turn is connected to power steering gear. A pressure-relief valve inside flow control valve limits pump pressure. The power steering rack and pinion gear has a rotary control valve which directs hydraulic fluid coming from power steering pump to one side or other side of rack piston. The integral rack piston is attached to rack. The rack piston converts hydraulic pressure to a linear force which moves rack to left or right. The force is then transmitted through inner and outer tie rods to steering knuckles, which turn wheels.