Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Description & Operation
Power rack and pinion steering system uses rotary control valve to direct hydraulic fluid to either side of integral rack piston. Tie rods connect steering gear (rack and pinion) to steering knuckles. Loosely fitted pinion drive-tangs will provide manual steering control in case of system malfunction.
Steering wheel movement is transmitted by steering shaft to pinion through 2 universal joint couplings. Steering gear rack and pinion assembly converts rotational movement of pinion to transverse movement of rack.
An idle quality power steering pressure switch is used on some FWD vehicles with 3.0L engine. When signal is received from switch indicating additional power steering load on engine, Powertrain Control Module (PCM) increases engine idle speed.
Saginaw Ham Can type power steering pump is used. See Fig 1 . Only fluid reservoirs, caps and pulleys are replaceable on Saginaw pumps. Pump reservoirs, seals and "O" rings are serviceable. See Figure . Internal components are non-serviceable. If pump, reservoir or cap fails or leaks, that part should be replaced.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.