Actuator Description

The MAGNASTEER(R) is an integral part of the power steering gear. The MAGNASTEER(R) actuator consists of the following components:

- A rotary valve
- A permanent magnet that is attached to the input shaft of the rotary valve.
- Two pole pieces that are attached to the output side of the valve (the pinion)
- An electromagnetic coil mounted in the gear housing

When the coil is energized, a magnetic field is formed between the permanent magnet and the pole pieces, which increases the torque on the input shaft to the steering gear. The EBTCM controls the current flow to the coil. As the vehicle speed increases, the EBTCM increases the current flow resulting in an increase in steering effort. Other power steering system components, while specially modified for use with MAGNASTEER(R), are similar to non-MAGNASTEER(R) power steering components.