Steering Gear: Description and Operation
GEARDESCRIPTION
The power steering gear is a recirculating ball type gear.
The following gear components can be serviced:
^ Pitman Shaft and Cover
^ Pitman Shaft Bearings
^ Pitman Shaft Oil Seal/Dust Seal
^ Stud Shaft Housing with Seal
^ O-Rings and Teflon Rings
NOTE: If rack piston assembly is damaged the gear must be replaced.
OPERATION
The gear acts as a rolling thread between the worm shaft and rack piston. The worm shaft is supported by a thrust bearing at the lower end and a bearing assembly at the upper end. When the worm shaft is turned the rack piston moves. The rack piston teeth mesh with the pitman shaft. Turning the worm shaft turns the pitman shaft, which turns the steering linkage.