Steering System

 

Steering System

The steering system enables you to steer your vehicle in the desired direction. There are two basic types of steering systems: rack and pinion system and conventional/integral steering gear system, also known as “recirculating ball.”

Rack and pinion systems are the most commonly used today. The steering shaft turns a gear that moves the “rack” side-to-side, thereby turning the vehicle's wheels. Conventional/integral steering gear systems are used most often on trucks. With this design, the steering wheel shaft connects to a gear assembly and a series of links/arms that turn the wheels to the left or right.

Service and Maintenance
Check power steering fluid levels periodically and add fluid when necessary. Have your vehicle inspected if it exhibits any of the following symptoms:

• Unusual noise when turning the steering wheel
• A shimmy or shake in the steering wheel
• Heavy or unresponsive steering at low speeds
• The steering wheel does not return to “center” properly

If you live in areas that experience harsh, winter weather, have the entire steering system inspected before winter arrives to help ensure safer driving.

Power steering is really “power assisted” steering. It allows you to steer your vehicle manually when the engine is not running or if a failure occurs in the power source.

Over the years, power steering has become standard on many vehicles. In fact, consumer demand for this system has resulted in it being used on over 90% of all new cars produced in the U.S. and Canada.

Points of Interest

• Power Steering Fluid Reservoir and Pump
• Rack-and-Pinion Steering Assembly
• Pitman Arm
• Tie Rod End
• Drag Link/Center Link
• Idler Arm
• Integral Steering Gear
• Power Steering Hose

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Power Steering Fluid Reservoir and Pump
The power steering fluid reservoir holds the power steering fluid while the pump delivers the fluid to the system’s gear valve assembly in order to reduce steering effort.

Common signs of wear are fluid leakage, difficult low-speed steering, whining noise when turning the steering wheel, shake or shimmy, or pump housing leakage.

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Rack-and-Pinion Steering Assembly
The rack-and-pinion steering assembly is a long, steel bar that is meshed with the pinion gear and connected to the tie rods that turn the front wheels.

Common signs of wear include excessive “play” in steering wheel vibration or shaking, and unusual noises.

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Pitman Arm
The function of the pitman arm is to connect the steering gear and steering linkage.

Common signs of wear include wandering and excessive steering with little directional change.

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Tie Rod End
The function of the tie rod end is to transfer motion from the steering linkage to the wheel hub assembly.

Common signs of wear include rough or stuttered steering, play in steering wheel, and inner or outer tie-edge wear in the ride and handling system.

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Drag Link/Center Link
The function of the drag link/center link is to control the left and right linkage movement which changes wheel direction.

Common signs of wear include excessive steering motion with little directional change.

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Idler Arm
The function of the idler arm is to serve as a pivot point to the steering linkage assembly.

Common signs of wear include irregular tire wear, such as feathering or scrubbing.

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Integral Steering Gear
The integral steering gear uses a recirculating ball gearbox along with a pitman arm to steer the vehicle to the left or right.

Common signs of wear include sloppy steering feel, and reduced steering responsiveness.

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Power Steering Hose
The function of the power steering hose is to carry pressurized fluid from the power steering pump to the steering assembly in order to turn the wheels left or right.

Common signs of wear include worn or leaking hose or difficulty steering.