Steering System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2009 Ford Crown Victoria. 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
Power steering fluid reservoir
Steering gear
Power steering fluid cooler
Power steering lines
Steering column
Steering column shaft

The power steering system transfers driver inputs at the steering wheel to the front wheels of the vehicle. The steering column, hydraulic system and linkages that transfer these driver inputs make up the steering system. Gearing and hydraulic assist are used to significantly reduce steering efforts.

Early build vehicles (except Police Interceptor and long wheelbase vehicles) are equipped with a variable assist power steering (VAPS) system that controls the level of power assistance available to the driver based on vehicle speed. At very low speeds, full power steering assist is provided to lessen steering efforts and increase maneuverability. At faster speeds, steering assist decreases gradually at a calibrated rate to raise steering efforts for increased directional stability and greater road feel.

For information on the power steering fluid reservoir, power steering pump, power steering lines and steering gear, refer to POWER STEERING article.

For information on the steering wheel, steering column and steering column shaft, refer to STEERING COLUMN article.