DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
Steering gear is a variable ratio, recirculating ball-type which acts as a rolling thread between worm shaft and rack piston. The worm shaft is supported at the lower end by a thrust bearing with 2 races. It is supported at the upper end by a bearing assembly in the adjuster plug. Control valves, located inside steering gear housing, direct power steering fluid to either side of rack piston. (Scheme 1)
Steering linkage connects steering gear to front wheels through pitman arm. Steering linkage consists of pitman arm, idler arm, relay rod and tie rods. (Scheme 2)- (Scheme 12). Tie rod ends connect to relay rod by ball studs. Adjuster tubes between inner and outer tie rod ends are used to adjust toe. Some models have a shock absorber attached to relay rod.
Two different types of vane-type power steering pumps are used. The Model P pump is mounted inside the reservoir. see scheme 20 The Model TC pump is mounted below the reservoir. see scheme 21 On both models, the vanes are driven by a rotor and move fluid from the intake to the pressure cavities of pump ring.
Scheme 1
Scheme 2
Scheme 3
Scheme 4
Note. All figures in this article are Courtesy of General Motors.
