Power Steering (General)

POWER STEERING

(vehicles as of 1.6 litre engine)

 

General

The overall steering ratio for vehicles with power steering is 18 : 1.

 

There are no provisions for installation of a steering damper on vehicles with power steering.

 

A "rotary slide valve" is used on this rack and pinion power steering gear, in contrast to the recirculating ball power steering gear with a "rotary piston" type control valve (Rekord-E/Carlton, Senator/Monza/ Royale).

The advantages of both valves are the precise steering, the extremely low valve travel required to build up pressure, the driving comfort and the operational safety.

 

 

Note:   When replacing power steering with reduced steering exertion, the corresponding power steering is to be used again.   The main components of the "rotary slide valve" are a rotary slide with needle bearings (A) with six control grooves around the circumference, and a one-part control bushing (B) with six internal control grooves corresponding to those on the rotary slide. The valve is centred by a torsion bar (C), which works in conjunction with the specially designed control edges to adapt to the various demands made by a modern vehicle and provide optimum steering performance.

 

 

The axial movement of the rack within the operating cylinder (steering gear housing, right hand side) is hydraulically assisted on both sides of the piston. The piston is mounted on the right hand end of the rack. Two pipes, which operate alternately as pressure and return lines, are therefore connected to the rotary slide valve and the steering gear housing.

 

 

The Measuring Device KM-476 is still applied between the tie rod end and the left hand mounting recess (looking in direction of travel) in the steering gear housing to maintain the precise straight ahead position of the steering. Push steering coupling on to pinion teeth so that clamp flange bolt for steering spindle lies horizontally on top.   (Illus. B 6699 shows steering gear removed).

 

 

The fluid pump and the fluid reservoir are mounted separately in the engine compartment.

 

The internal design of the fluid pump corresponds in principle to that of the fluid pumps installed vehicles with recirculating ball power steering.

 

The fluid pump may not be disassembled. It is supplied by the P & A department as an assembly only.

The fluid pressure is measured using Pressure Gauge KM-354-A. With the steering held at full left or right lock, the fluid pressure reaches a level of 7700 to 8300 kPa (1116.5 to 1203.5 psi) up to Sept. 86

As of Sept. 86 from 9500 to 10000 kPa (1377.5 to 1450 psi). Never hold steering wheel at full lock for longer than 10 seconds.

 

Operations for the rack and pinion power steering which deviate from those for manual steering are described below.

 

Adjustment of the steering is not required.

 

There is no provision for overhaul or disassembly of the rack and pinion power steering gear in the dealership workshops.

The only operations which may be carried out are operations not requiring any major work on the steering gear, such as external sealing of the fluid pipes or of the pressure and return lines because of fluid loss.