Power Steering Gear Description; Seal Replacement Recommendations; Special Tools And Equipment - GMC chevrolet camaro 2000 Service Manual

2~48 Power Steering System
The bore at 1he front of 1he housing contains the flow·
control fitting. The flow control fitting works with
the flow control valve and spring in order to limit the
maximum flow of the pump. The pressure relief
valve is located inside of the flow controlvalve. The
;pressure relief valve limits the maximum pump
pressure.
The casting boss that runs across the housing holds
.the following components: ·
• The flow control valve
• The flow control spring
• The pump fitting
Power Steering Gear Description
The power steering gear includes the following major
internal components:
• The power steering gear pinion and valve shaft
• The steering gear rack and piston
• The inner tie rods
• The outer tie rods
The steering gear rack and piston is supported at the
ends in the steering gear housing. The steering
gear rack and piston is sealed in order to prevent
leakage across the piston. The pinion and valve
intersects with the rack and piston and meshes directly
with the teeth of the rack and piston.
Manual steering is always available during the
following situations:
• When the engine is not running
• In the event of power steering pump failure
• In the event of serpentine belt failure
Steering effort is increased when the above conditions
exists.
The power steering pump provides hydraulic pressure
and fluid flow in order to move the gear components.
This action occurs when the vehicle is parked or
moving. The valve directs pressurized fluid during a
steering maneuver. The fluid travels through the
external .steel cylinder lines in order to act on the rack
and piston. When the vehicle is turned right, the
steering valve opens and routes pressurized fluid to
the left side of the piston. At the same time, the valve
allows fluid to escape from the right side of the
piston and return to the valve area. The fluid pressure
is converted into a mechanical force which is applied
to the piston. This difference in force across the piston
causes the rack to move to the right. The opposite
action occurs when the gear is turned to the left.
The effort to steer the vehicle is created by the
pressure difference at the piston when the following
conditions exist:
• The power steering pump (3) provides pressurized
fluid to the gear.
• The valve is operating correctly.
Steering
Seal. Replacement Recommendations
Lip Seals (
Lip seals, which seal rotating shafts, require special
treatment. This type of seal is used on the hydraulic
pump shaft of the pump. When leakage· occurs in this
area, always replace the seal or seals, after
inspecting and thoroughly cleaning the sealing
surface. Replace the shaft if pitting .is found. If
corrosion in the lip seal contact zone. is slight, clean
the. surface of the shaft with crocus cloth. Replace the
shaft only if the leakage cannot be stopped by
smoothing with crocus cloth first.
0-Ring Seals
Whenever a part which forms a sealing surface 1or an
0-ring is removed, the 0-ring seal should also be
removed and replaced with a 0-ring seal. Lubricate all
new 0-rings with fresh power steering fluid to ease
installation;
Special Tools and Equipment
Illustration
65360
293487
82243
Tool Number/ Description
J 5176-E
Power Steering Pressure
Tester
J 5176-92
Pressure Tester Adapter
J 22610
Keystone Clamp Plier
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