Description & Operation

Power steering is provided by an open center, rotary type control valve which directs oil from power steering pump to either side of integral rack piston. Road feel is controlled by diameter of torsion bar which initially steers vehicle. As required steering effort increases, torsion bar twists, causing a relative rotary motion between rotary valve body and valve spool. This movement directs oil behind integral rack piston, which in turn, builds up hydraulic pressure and assists in turning effort.

Hydraulic pressure for operation of power steering gear is provided by a belt driven Saginaw T/C power steering pump. The power steering pump is a constant flow rate and displacement vane type pump. Drive tangs on power steering pump mate loosely with a stub shaft. This permits manual steering control to be maintained if drive belt on power steering pump should break.