K 1500 Truck 4WD V8-4.8L VIN V (1999)
Steering Gear: Description and Operation
Power Steering Gear Description (Non-Rack and Pinion)
The power steering gear contains 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 pre-loaded thrust bearing and 2 conical thrust races at the lower end. A bearing assembly in the adjuster plug supports the shaft's upper
end. When the worm shaft turns right, the rack piston moves up in gear. Turning the worm shaft left moves the rack piston down in gear. The rack
piston teeth mesh with the sector, which is part of the pitman shaft. Turning the worm shaft turns the pitman shaft. The pitman shaft turns the wheels
through the pitman arm and 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 loses hydraulic pressure, you can control the vehicle.
