Power Steering - Hydraulic System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Lincoln Town Car. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The power steering system consists of the following components:

Power steering pump
Fluid reservoir
Rack-and-pinion steering gear
Fluid cooler
Power steering pressure and return lines/hoses
Inner tie rod

The power steering system uses a vane-type pump to pump the fluid from the reservoir to the rack-and-pinion steering gear. The power steering pump is mounted to the engine and is driven by the accessory belt from the engine crankshaft. Power steering fluid flows into one side of the pump from the reservoir by vacuum. The power steering fluid is then trapped and squeezed into a smaller area inside the pump. This action pressurizes the fluid as it flows to the rest of the system. A pressure relief/flow valve is built into the pump to control the maximum pressure. The relief pressure is between 9,200-10,205 kPa (1,334-1,480 psi). This action prevents damage to the system during different engine speeds. The power steering fluid, while under pressure, flows through the high pressure power steering line to the rack-and-pinion steering gear. The fluid exits the gear and flows through the return line cooler and finally to the reservoir. The reservoir slows the fluid, allows air to escape and filters the fluid before returning it to the pump.