Grand Prix V6-191 3.1L VIN M SFI (1998)
Steering Gear: Description and Operation
General Description
Power Steering Gear
The movement of the steering wheel is transferred to the pinion. The movement of the pinion is then transferred through the pinion teeth, which mesh
with teeth on the rack, causing the rack to move. The power steering gear system has a rotary control valve which directs hydraulic fluid coming from the
hydraulic pump to one side or the other side of the rack piston. The integral rack piston is attached to the rack. The rack 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, under these conditions more steering effort is required.
A vane-type pump provides hydraulic pressure for the system.
Magnasteer(R) Power Steering System
The MAGNASTEER(R) system is a speed-dependent power steering system. The system provides power assist at varying levels depending on need. A
bi-directional magnetic rotary actuator in the steering gear adjusts the amount of torque (driver effort) necessary to turn the steering wheel. The
MAGNASTEER(R) is controlled through the Antilock Brake System (ABS) module and varies the torque by adjusting the current flow through the
actuator. The amount of adjustment will be directly related to vehicle speed. The controller receives speed-related input signals from the vehicle speed
sensor.
Refer to STEERING DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION for more information on MAGNASTEER(R).