Each end of the gear rack is connected via a ball joint to the steering rods. They transfer power from the steering wheel through the tie rod joints and knuckles to the front wheels. Rack and pinion steering must be easy to move and have no play from lock to lock. It is not serviced, but you need to monitor the impeccable condition of the sealing collars.
Depending on the model and equipment, the steering may be equipped with hydraulic booster. With power steering (servo control) the force required to turn the steering wheel is negligible. The power steering consists of an oil pump, compensation tank and oil lines. The pump is driven via a V-belt from the engine. The pump sucks oil from the compensation tank and delivers it under high pressure to the valve body. The valve body is located in the steering gear. The valve is mechanically connected to the steering shaft and supplies oil depending on the rotation of the wheel to the corresponding side of the working cylinder. There, the oil presses on the rack piston and keeps the control moving. At the same time, the piston pushes oil from the other side of the working cylinder through the return line back to the expansion tank.
Attention! Always replace self-locking nuts. Welding and straightening work on the steering is unacceptable. In case of insufficient experience, as well as major repairs, you should contact a specialized workshop.
Steering without power steering
1 - steering wheel; 2 - steering shaft; 3 - intermediate steering shaft; 4 - steering mechanism; 5 - tie rod end; 6 - adjustable steering wheel lever