Escort L4-122 2.0L SOHC VIN P SFI (1999)
Power Steering Line/Hose: Description and Operation
PRESSURE HOSE
The power steering pressure hose delivers fluid from the power steering pump to the steering gear.
RETURN HOSE
The power steering return hose delivers fluid from the steering gear to the power steering pump reservoir.
MECHANICAL OPERATION
The steering column shaft, the steering column intermediate shaft coupling, and the power steering gear input shaft transfer the rotary motion into
side-to-side motion. The front wheel spindle tie rods and tie rod ends connect the steering gear to the front wheel knuckles. The front wheel knuckles
convert the side-to-side motion into the pivoting of the wheels.
HYDRAULIC MOTION
The power steering pump, which is driven by the crankshaft through a drive belt and pulleys, develops the hydraulic pressure necessary to operate the
system. When the engine is running, fluid is drawn into the vane-type power steering pump from the power steering pump reservoir. Hydraulic fluid is
pressurized by the rotation of the rotor and vanes and is forced into the steering gear. When the steering wheel is turned, the steering gear converts this
hydraulic pressure and flow into mechanical motion that will move the front wheels in the direction of the turn.
POWER STEERING PRESSURE (PSP) SWITCH
A Power Steering Pressure switch (PSP switch), located on the power steering pressure hose, is normally closed. As the power steering load
increases, the PSP switch signals the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to increase the idle speed.
