Steering Gear
| ITEM | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| 1 | Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) |
| 2 | Electric motor |
| 3 | Drive belt |
| 4 | Torque sensor |
| 5 | Steering rack |
| 6 | Pinion shaft |
| 7 | Signal and power lead for torque sensor |
| 8 | Recirculating ball nut |
The steering gear is installed on the front subframe. A universal joint connects the input shaft of the steering gear to the bottom of the steering column. A rubber seal assembly is installed on the input shaft where it passes through the bulkhead panel. Ball jointed tie-rods connect the steering rack to the knuckles of the front suspension. The ends of the steering rack are protected by corrugated rubber boots secured with band clamps. Heat shields are attached to the top of the steering gear to reflect radiant heat from the exhaust system.
The steering rack is installed in a steering gear housing that also contains the pinion shaft and the torque sensor. A torsion bar connects the pinion shaft to the input shaft. The steering gear housing also incorporates a mounting for the electric motor. A reduction gear housing, on the end of the steering gear housing, contains a recirculating ball nut installed on a threaded section of the steering rack. A toothed belt transmits drive from the electric motor to the recirculating ball nut to provide the power assistance.