G 20 Van V6-262 4.3L VIN Z (1993)
Steering Gear: Description and Operation
Saginaw Rack & Pinion Gear
Fig. 1 Exploded view of rack & pinion gear
The power rack and pinion steering system, Fig. 1, has a rotary control valve which directs hydraulic fluid coming from the pump to one or the other
side of the rack piston. The piston is attached to the rack. The piston converts hydraulic pressure to a linear force which moves the rack left or right. The
force is then transmitted through the inner and outer tie rods to the steering knuckles, which turn the wheels.
If hydraulic assist is not available, manual control is maintained, however more steering effort is required. The movement of the steering wheel is
transferred to the pinion. The movement of the pinion is transferred through the pinion teeth, which mesh with teeth on the rack, causing the rack to
move.
