300Tdi Discovery
57
STEERING
6
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Demand for assistance (Valve misaligned)
When the steering wheel and input shaft is turned,
steering resistance transmitted to the worm causes
the torsion bar to be twisted and the valve ports to be
misaligned for a right or left turn. The misalignment of
the valve ports directs all fluid pressure A to one side
of the piston only and allows displaced fluid B on the
other side.
When demanding maximum assistance, any
excessive fluid output from the pump due to high
pump speed, will circulate through the regulator valve
located in the pump unit, causing the temperature of
the fluid and the pump to rise rapidly.
To avoid excessive fluid temperatures which could
damage the oil seals, the steering must not be held on
full lock for more that 30 seconds in one minute.
Only when the steering wheel and the demand for
assistance is released, will the torsion bar return the
valve to neutral, allowing the fluid to circulate through
the reservoir where it is cooled.
In the unlikely event of mechanical failure of the
torsion bar, a coarse splined connection (7) between
the input shaft and worm, ensures steering control is
maintained sufficient to allow the vehicle to be
recovered.
Rotary valve misaligned