G 1500 1/2 Ton Van V6-4.3L VIN W (1997)
Steering Gear: Description and Operation
The power steering gear has a recirculating ball system that acts as a rolling thread between the worm shaft and the rack piston. The worm shaft is
supported by a preloaded thrust bearing and two conical thrust races at the lower end, and a bearing assembly in the adjuster plug at the upper end. While
the worm shaft is being turned to the right position, the rack piston moves up in the gear. Turning the worm shaft left moves the rack piston down in the
gear. The rack piston teeth mesh with the sector, which is part of the pitman shaft. Turning the worm shaft turns the pitman shaft, which turns the wheels
through the steering linkage. The control valve in the steering gear directs the power steering fluid to either side of the rack piston. The rack piston
converts the hydraulic pressure into a mechanical force.
If the steering system becomes damaged and loses hydraulic pressure, the vehicle will still have its manual control.
