Power Steering Gear

3.8L Vin K:

5.7 Vin G:

The major internal components of the steering gear (1) are the power steering gear pinion and valve shaft, steering gear rack and piston and tie rods (inner and outer tie rods). The steering gear rack and piston is supported at its ends in the steering gear housing and sealed to prevent both external and leakage across the piston. The pinion and valve intersects and meshes directly with the teeth of the rack and piston. Manual steering is always available at times when the engine is not running or in the event of power steering pump (32) or serpentine belt failure. Steering effort is increased under such condition.

The movement of the gear components, when either parked or moving, is aided by hydraulic pressure and fluid flow supplied by the power steering pump (32). Pressurized fluid is-directed by the valve during a steer maneuver and travels through external steel cylinder lines to act on the rack and piston. When the vehicle is turned right, the steering valve is opened and routes pressurized fluid to the left side of the piston, while allowing fluid to escape from the right side and return to the valve area. The pressure of the fluid is converted to a mechanical force applied to the piston and the difference in force across the piston causes the rack to move to the right. The opposite occurs when the gear (1) is turned to the left. Whenever the pump (32) provides pressurized fluid to the gear (1) and the valve is operating correctly, the effort to steer the vehicle is created by this pressure difference at the piston.