The power cylinder is commonly bolted to the frame and the center link The control valve may

y be located in the gearbox or on the steering linkage

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only

Uses hydraulic pressure to assist the driver in moving the rack and the front wheels

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only

Power Cylinder and Piston

Power cylinder
precisely machined tube that accepts the power piston

Power piston
formed by attaching a hydraulic piston to the center of the rack

Routing oil pressure into either end of the power cylinder causes piston movement
Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only

Control Valves
Rotary control valve
operated by a torsion shaft connected to the pinion gear

Spool control valve

operated by the thrust action of the pinion shaft that occurs when the pinion gear is rotated against the rack gear

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only

System Operation
When the steering wheel is turned, vehicle weight causes the front tires to resist turning, moving the control valve Movement of the control valve aligns specific oil passages internally Pump pressure forces oil through the control valve, to the power cylinder Pressure acts on the power piston, pushing the rack, and the front wheels
Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only

 Uses a small electric motor to help move the rack-and-pinion gearbox The motor is mounted inside the rack housing and acts on the steering rack

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only

Electronic Assist Operation

A steering control module (computer) electronically reacts to steering pressure The module operates the electric motor in the rack assembly to help the driver steer the wheels The module can reverse motor rotation and alter motor speed as needed

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only

Proportional Power Steering

Senses vehicle speed and steering load to ensure adequate road feel Increases steering effort at higher speeds for more road feel Lowers steering effort at lower speeds to ease maneuvering

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only

Low Speed Operation

A computer-controlled electromagnet is used to alter the operation of the stub shaft, torsion bar, and rotary control valve At low speeds, the computer sends current through the electromagnet in one direction to help attract and pull on the stub shaft and torsion bar, increasing valve output pressure

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only

High Speed Operation

At high speeds, the computer reverses electrical flow through the electromagnet The valve output pressure decreases, reducing assist, and increasing steering effort for better road feel

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only

In a four-wheel steering system, all four wheels change direction to improve handling, stability, feel, and maneuverability

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only

Mechanical System
Uses a special front rack-and-pinion gear with a transfer box The transfer box operates a long shaft that extends back to the rear rack When the front wheels are turned, the shaft rotates to turn the rear wheels

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only

Hydraulic System
Uses a conventional power rack-andpinion steering system up front Hydraulic lines extend back to a rear power steering pump, which is driven by the differential Depending on vehicle speed, the rear pump forces fluid under pressure into a control valve
Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only

Hydraulic System
When a specific road speed is reached, the control valve can then operate the rear steering system The rear rack is connected by tie-rods to the rear suspension trailing arms When activated, the rear rack shifts the trailing arms to steer the rear wheels

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only

Electronic System
An electronic system is speed-sensitive An electric-motor-driven power rack (rear actuator) acts upon the rear wheels using a recirculating-ball drive and mechanical links The rear-wheel steering angles are computer-controlled

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only

Electronic System Operation

The computer analyzes signals from angle sensors in the front steering and signals from wheel speed sensors in the anti-lock brake system The rear actuator is energized by the computer to move the rear wheels as needed

Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only