Section 222 (Steering System): Operation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 RAM ProMaster 3500, 2017 RAM ProMaster 2500, and 2017 RAM ProMaster 1500. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Turning of the steering wheel is converted into linear (side-to-side) travel through the meshing of the helical pinion teeth with the rack teeth within the steering gear. The lateral travel pushes and pulls the tie rods to change the direction of the vehicle's front wheels.
Power assist steering is provided by a belt driven rotary type pump. It directs fluid through power steering fluid hoses to the power steering gear where it is used to assist the driver's turning effort.
Manual steering control of the vehicle can be maintained if power steering assist is lost. However, under this condition, steering effort is significantly increased.